A back to school blood drive was hosted by PIH health at Rio Hondo College on Sept. 1-2 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m..

The PIH Health Blood Mobile was parked below the Business Breeze Way with volunteers prepared to help anyone who was ready to save a life.

Cynthia Nava said, “I like donating because I like helping people that are in need of blood. This has been my fourth time volunteering on campus and it feels amazing helping others.”

Wesley Murray, a volunteer for at least eight years said, “We are expecting to have about 60-80 students donating blood.”

A single donation can save up to three lives. Therefore if only 60 people were to donate it would help a total of 180 people.

According to PIHhealth.org there is a constant demand for blood because although it can be stored for up to 42 days it does not always last that amount of time.

To promote donating blood, some instructors even offered to give extra credit to students who contribute to the cause.

Student Luis Anthony, said that he donated blood to earn “extra credit for wild land fire.”

Students were not the only ones to attend the event.

Chris Guptill the Dean of Arts and cultural programs said, “I’m almost at two gallons of blood and about 40 donations. Everyone should do it.”

Everyone who wanted to donate was encouraged to eat a nutritious meal, drink plenty of water, weigh at least 110 pounds and were required to at least be 17 years old.

A free thank you gift was given to all donors.

Anyone who missed the blood drive but would like to donate can go to the PIH Blood Donor Center, by visiting their website, www.PIHhealthorg or call 562-789-LIFE (5433).