This spring semester’s blood drive took place in the breezeway below the Business building from Feb. 25, through Feb. 27; it was put together by Presbyterian Intercommunity Hospital. “We like to encourage everyone to come out and donate blood!” Says Jasmine Lopez, the Student Life and Leadership director.

There are a few things future donors should know. The donor must be: at least 17-years-old (or 16 as long as they have a signed parental consent), weigh at least 113 pounds, eaten a nutritious meal and have drank plenty of water prior to donating. The donor also cannot be pregnant, be ill, or have had any tattoos or piercings in the last 12 months.

Once the donor meets these requirements, they are given a small packet to read and an application to fill out. Once those are completed and turned in the donor is given a seat until they are called.

After a donor’s blood donation, it is tested for Hepatitis B and C, HIV, Syphilis and certain other viruses. The most common blood types are O-positive and A-positive.

“ It’s really cool knowing that a simple blood donation can help save a life,” says a Rio Hondo student waiting for her name to be called. Donating blood can save lives, and it is important to give back to your community. A student may also be able to receive class credit or even extra credit points in some of their classes.

The average person is able to give blood every 56 days and Rio Hondo hopes to keep seeing bigger and bigger turn outs each semester. So get out there and donate today! Or if you donated this week it is much appreciated, and every drop counts!