The American Red Cross provided Ball State University students with a chance to help those in need this week.
Jessica Detmer, communications coordinator for the Hoosier Heartland chapter of the American Red Cross, said 245 Ball State students donated and about 230 units of blood were collected.
The blood drive was in Pruis Hall on Wednesday and the L.A. Pittenger Student Center on Thursday.
Donations from college and high school students currently make up about 14 percent of all local donations, she said.
The Hoosier Heartland chapter is the primary supplier of blood throughout the state, servicing more than 90 hospitals, she said.
Blood drives are held during the school year to help educate students about the constant need for blood, Detmer said.
"We're reaching out to students to let them know they can make a difference," she said.
Freshman finance major Devin Hannon said he donates several times per year.
"It's just something I try to do often to help save lives," he said.
The chapter holds about three blood drives per semester on Ball State's campus, Detmer said. The drives are usually spanned across a two-day period because some students are not on campus every day, she said.
"We experience a shortage of blood in the summer because school is not in session and most students are away from campus," she said.
The local chapter is currently at a minimum level of supply for most types, Detmer said.
"The eligible donor pool is smaller than we thought," she said. "There is a great need for all types of blood."
Freshman journalism major Tynesia Ross said the donation process was fulfilling.
"I'm a little scared of needles, but it was worth it because it was for a good cause," she said.
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