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CORVALLIS - After a record-breaking turnout in February, Oregon State University officials are setting their sights on a new record for the campus' Spring Blood Drive May 12-14.

The three-day spring drive will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day in OSU's Memorial Union Ballroom. For information, contact Bonnie Robeson at 541-967-7982.

American Red Cross blood drives are held four times a year on the OSU campus, said Douglas Tracy, Red Cross spokesman. But the February drive was one of the best ever, he added.

The final February tally - 992 units of blood, 142 more than expected.

"OSU's winter blood drive helped as many as 3,968 people with the gift of life," Tracy said. "Oregon State University is the biggest drive we have in the northwest region," but blood drives are held regularly throughout the area, he said. Donors unable to attend the campus sessions can call the Red Cross at 1-800-GIVE-LIFE to locate the nearest blood center or drive.

Red Cross Pacific Northwest Regional Blood Services serve 90 hospitals in more than 30 counties in Oregon and Washington. Giving blood takes less than one hour. Donors must be healthy, at least 17 years old, and weigh 110 pounds or more.

The Red Cross has the capability to move blood to where it is needed through its National Inventory Management System based in St. Louis. The Red Cross particularly encourages people with type O blood to donate, because type O blood can be given to patients with any blood type, especially in emergency situations.