Newsroom

CORVALLIS, Ore. - Oregon State University will provide an opportunity for anyone over the age of 16 to save a life by donating blood.

OSU's annual winter blood drive runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 20-23 in the Memorial Union Ballroom. While the majority of donors are OSU faculty, staff and students, the public is welcome and encouraged to attend and donate. No appointments are necessary.

The Pacific Northwest Regional chapter of the American Red Cross is looking for a three-day supply of all blood types. To meet hospital and patient needs in the region, the Northwest chapter must collect at least 5,000 units of blood per week.

The type of blood most urgently needed is type O negative, also known as the universal blood type because anyone can receive a donation of this blood type.

OSU holds a blood drive each fall, winter and spring term. The university blood drives are the largest in the Northwest, typically collecting more than 3,000 units of blood for hospitals.

Anyone unable to attend the OSU blood drive can contact the American Red Cross at 1-800-GIVE-LIFE to locate the nearest blood center or drive.

About 60 percent of the population is eligible to donate blood; of those, the Red Cross reports that only 5 percent actually donate. One donation of blood can be separated in plasma, platelets and red blood cells, effectively saving up to three lives.