After collecting 273 units of blood last semester, the Inter-Club Council (ICC) hopes to do just as well with this semester’s spring blood drive.

The blood drive  will  take place from March 5-7 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and until 8 p.m. on the 7th in the Student’s Activities Center in the East Lounge.

“Our goal usually starts at 268 units,” Breanna Von Stein, Inter-Club Council adviser said.

With these types of events, the amount of blood collected might vary depending on how many students donate.

Before any student can donate blood they will first need to make an appointment. Appointments can be made at redcrossblood.org and by entering the sponsor code ECC. Simply fill everything out and select the date you would like to make an appointment. Bring a list of all medications you may be taking. Also be sure to bring two forms of identification the day of your appointment and wear clothing with sleeves that can be rolled up.

Even before making an appointment it is important to know that there are requirements to be able to donate blood. Most importantly one must be healthy, being able to perform normal activities and feel well enough to do so. Other eligibility requirements include being at least 17 years old and weighing a minimum of 110 pounds.

The Red Cross has a few recommendations to consider before you donate such as avoiding fatty foods, eat iron rich foods, drink 16 ounces of water, avoid any alcoholic drinks and get a good night’s rest.

The blood drive is usually an event that occurs twice in the year, once during fall and once during spring.

Students on campus have different outlooks and experiences on donating blood.

“Never thought of donating, might be interested in it,” Henry Ross, 26, business major said.

Tasha Reye, 24, art major said that when donating in the past, she thought of it as ‘scary’ but the cause was worth it and the free cookies they receive help, too.