Coming up on February 3rd, IU South Bend sorority Alpha Sigma Tau will be hosting a blood drive. While many people have donated, many have not. Donation can seem somewhat scary if you’ve never done it before, but here are some reasons why you should donate and how you can help.

Why should you donate?

1. First off, you can save three lives.

One donation of one pint of blood can save up to three lives. And if you have donated before and you are a candidate, you could donate a double, saving six lives!

2. Every two seconds, someone is in need of a blood transfusion!

Therefore, by the time you are done donating, you know it will already be put to good use!

3. The blood type most often requested by hospitals is Type O.

Type O blood is the universal donor because it does not contain the antibodies that would make other blood types reject it.

4. Hospitals need blood on standby.

Hospitals need blood on standby for emergency situations where asking people to donate or running to the blood bank isn’t an option.

5. Blood cannot be manufactured.

You might be saying “duh,” but this just reiterates the fact that generous people are needed to donate blood!

How you can help.

1. Create a Red Cross account!

You can create a Red Cross account by following the link and filling out your information.

2. Sign Up!

You can sign up for an appointment by going onto the Red Cross link and typing in your area code. For IU South Bend donors, type in “46615” and click on the IU South Bend link for February 3rd.

3. Show up!

Show up for your appointment time and save three lives! If any questions arise before then, you can contact either the Red Cross blood donation line or any Alpha Sigma Tau member!