On Sept. 9, the Community Blood Bank of Northwest Pennsylvania started what is planned to be a monthly event, a blood drive held at the Pogue Student Center.
These drives will accommodate the large demand for all types of blood.
The Community Blood Bank is the only supplier for Erie County and surrounding counties such as McKean, Elk, Potter and Warren.
In addition the bank is the preferred supplier for Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, and Allegany Counties in New York.
While other blood agencies sporadically supply certain areas, the blood donated at the campus drives will only go to the surrounding area.
The blood itself is used in many ways, from surgery and accidents, as well as helping those with diseases such as cancer, immune deficiencies and muscle disorders.
A single donation can be used to save up to three lives.
Wednesday's donation was recorded to be the largest turnout in four years.
They screened 93 donors and collected 75 units of blood.
Both patient and blood go through a strict screening process before the donation is used.
To donate, the patient must be at least 17 years of age, or 16 with written parental consent.
They must also be in good health and they must not have received any tattoos or piercings for a full year.
Donors must bring a photo ID and eat a meal before donating to prevent any harmful effects, such as fainting, afterward.
Additionally, a consent form, which contains general health questions, must be signed.
The form also covers visitations to countries in order to screen for dangerous viruses.
Sharon Bartlet, a junior, knows that they are very selective in order to prevent the possibility of contamination.
Her father was stationed at an Air Force base in Germany before the family was transferred to Jersey, England.
Sharon was not allowed to donate last year because she had left the states.
Now, however, she is able to donate again.
"I think it's great to donate in order to help people," she said,
Tim Smith, a freshman who also donated blood at the drive, explained his reasons for donating.
Smith was recently in a car accident, sustaining an injury that bled for many hours.
Blood transfusions from the local hospital saved his life.
"I know donating saves lives," he said.
The Community Blood Bank will be back monthly at the Ghering Health and Wellness center starting Sept. 17, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Deanna Renaud, mobile drive coordinator for the Community Blood Bank, is very enthusiastic about the new program.
"We understand students and faculty can't always come out the day we're here so this a good way to accommodate our donors and keep a steady stream of donations coming in for local patients," Renaud said, adding that "walk-ins are welcome."
If you are interested or have any questions you can contact the Ghering Health Center at 814-732-2743. Or contact the Community Blood Bank at 814-456-4206 or 814-362-3694. You can also look up information online at www.fourhearts.org.
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