By Jonathan Sanchez

The Clackamas Print

Once again, the blood drive is back and looking for more donors than ever.

The Associated Student Government is teaming up with Bloodworks Northwest to hold the blood drive on Feb. 13 and 14 in Gregory Forum. Anyone over the age of 18, and at least 110 pounds, is eligible to donate blood.

BloodWorks Northwest is an independent, nonprofit organization that ASG has teamed up with year after year to save lives. All blood receives immediate, comprehensive testing so that it can be available to more than 90 regional hospitals, usually in less than 24 hours after donation, according to the Bloodworks website.

Rachel Morgan, director of community wellness department on campus, said that the nonprofits main goal is to get as many donors as possible. Last term, they had about 50 donors over the two-day period. This term, they said they want to surpass that.

Eva Flores, a second-year student at Clackamas Community College, said she has donated blood five times. “I like knowing that the blood is going towards saving other people’s lives.”

Below are some tips to keep in mind for anyone planning to participate in the blood drive.

According to the Red Cross website, it is important to drink plenty of liquids, wear clothing with sleeves that can be easily rolled up to your elbow, eat iron-rich foods weeks before donating and bring a photo ID before donating blood.

“It’s really important for everyone to donate blood if they can,” said Morgan. “It’s such a simple thing to do to help out the community and it has a big impact every time someone donates blood. They can save up to three lives.”

According to the Red Cross website, only 10 percent of the population who are eligible to donate blood do so. This, at times, can cause shortages in blood supply, as blood can’t be manufactured. Recently, TIME Magazine reported on a major shortage caused the storms that happened across oregon last year as blood drives were cancelled and shipments went uncollected.

The lack of publicity that these events receive can be a major issue when attempting to find potential donors.

“I had no idea they were having a blood drive,” said Haley Thompson, a second-year student at CCC. “I’ve never donated blood, but I would if I had the time.”

The blood drive will take place in Gregory Forum from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., but will be closed from 12:30-1:30 p.m. Schedule an appointment by visiting the ASG office or by contacting them at (503) 594-3932.