NIU students can do their part to help save lives by donating blood at one of the 17 blood drives this semester at NIU.

Heartland, a blood bank, depends on NIU blood drives for five percent of its blood supply. Heartland supplies blood to 26 hospitals in nine counties. About 275 pints of blood are required daily to fill the needs of patients in this area, and a one-pint donation can help three people.

NIU began a blood drive commission in November 1987. The commission consists of representatives from residence halls, Interfraternity Council, Panhellenic, NIU staff and professional organizations. The purpose of the commission is to encourage groups to sponsor blood drives, educate the public about blood donation, schedule drives and handle public relations.

The biggest percentage of donations come from greek organizations, residence halls, professional organizations and staff. The Northern Star will present three awards at the end of the semester to the organizations that hold the most successful blood drives. Today and Tuesday drives will be held at Douglas Residence Hall.

Blood donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh 110 pounds and be in good health. Kris Stutzman, Heartland’s area representative, said, “95 percent of us will use blood or blood products, 60 percent of us are eligible to donate, but only five percent of the country donates blood, and they donate less than twice a year.” She said people can safely donate every eight weeks.

The whole donation process takes about 40 minutes.

A donation consists of one pint of blood. The liquid portion, plasma, is replaced by the body within 24 hours after donating. The other components are rebuilt within five weeks.

There is no risk of disease with donating. A new, sterile needle is used for each donor. There is no need to fear blood transfusions, Stutzman said. She said that in the three years since Heartland began testing the donations for the AIDS virus, not one out of about 190,000 donations has been found with the virus.

People can donate blood for the general public, a designated recipient or themselves. A designated donor must meet all of the same requirements as a regular donor. A designated donation can be made for a relative or family member who is in need of blood or if people want their blood to be given to a specific person.