Due to this week's winter storm across the eastern seaboard, there is a current shortfall of blood donations and Ball State students are encouraged to contribute.
A Red Cross statement said there is a particular need for people with O-negative blood to donate right now.
"In the U.S., someone needs a blood transfusion every two to three seconds and 95 percent of all Americans will need a blood transfusion at some point in their lives," health educator Julie Sturek said. "The need is constant and the gratification is instant."
The 108 slots have been filled but walk-ins will be accepted if space is available or people don't keep their appointments, Sturek said.
"The entire process takes about one hour and 15 minutes," she said. "The actual donation of a pint of whole blood unit takes eight to 10 minutes."
This time frame varies with each person because of factors such as blood drive attendance.
Those who will be giving blood need to have a light meal and plenty to drink before donating. They should also bring their donor card, driver's license or two other forms of identification as well as the names of any medications they are taking.
If you tend to have low levels of iron in your blood, Sturek suggests eating iron-rich foods such as spinach, red meat, fish, poultry, beans, raisins and iron-fortified cereals.
Those who donate will be entered into a weekly region-wide drawing for a $250 Visa gift card.
The blood drive is today from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the L.A. Pittenger Student Center Ballroom.
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