In the next three weeks, NIU students will have the opportunity to save lives and feel lightheaded at the same time.

No, students are not getting the opportunity to become bungee-jumping firefighters, but they will have the chance to donate blood to Heartland Blood Centers at five NIU residence halls during the month of September.

Annie Goddard, a Heartland Blood Centers representative, said giving blood is a selfless act with some emotional rewards.

“First they feel good about themselves, because they have helped another person who is in need,” she said. “In addition, they are giving time out of their day, which I know people who receive the donations would appreciate because they need that blood to either improve their lifestyle or to save their life.”

Jovani Thompson, area coordinator at the Stevenson South residence hall, said it’s a big opportunity for NIU students to make a difference.

“They get to help to save three lives for each pint of blood they give,” she said.

James Brunson, area coordinator for Stevenson towers, said Heartland Blood Centers are providing a critical service for the community.

“I think they are dealing an important service for the community they serve, and the intent is to make sure blood is available for people who need it,” he said.

The beneficiaries of these donations are area hospitals. Heartland Blood Centers supplies blood to 34 area hospitals, including Kishwaukee Community Hospital in DeKalb and Kindred Hospital in Sycamore.

Ann McKanna, Heartland Blood Centers’ vice president of marketing, said the center and NIU have had a productive relationship.

“We’ve had a long-term relationship with NIU and have been the sole provider of blood and blood products to the area hospitals, as well as to the communities where many of the students come from; and for those reasons we have had a very critical and important partnership with the students and administration and faculty and staff there,” she said. “NIU is by far the largest contributor by a single account that we have.”

Goddard said potential donors must be in good health, have a picture ID, weigh at least 110 pounds, be 17 years old (16 with parental permission) or older and have not given blood in eight months. People who have recently gotten tattoos or piercings should call the center at 800-786-4483 to determine their eligibility.

McKanna emphasized that the donated blood is quickly put to good use.

“Many times, the blood donors don’t have a face to put their donation to and they don’t see the end user – the patient who is benefiting from their gift,” she said. “What we try to do is share with the generous donors that, by the time their unit of blood is tested and ready for release within 24 hours, there is already someone out there in treatment or surgery who will need that blood.”