The San Diego Blood Bank held their most recent blood drive on Feb. 21 9 a.m.-3 p.m. in Gorton Quad.

Donations were taken from donors by nurses and volunteers in a bloodmobile located on site. The entire process took approximately 45 minutes, although the actual donation time only takes about 15 minutes.

The San Diego Blood Bank requires donors be over the age of 17, weigh at least 110 pounds, be in good health and fill out a questionnaire about their medical history. If all the requirements are met, donors can return once every eight weeks to donate.

“Each time we come, around 50 to 60 people might come over, but only about half of them usually qualify to donate. We have a goal of 25 to 30 people,” said volunteer James Ward.

Molly Grauberger, 21-year-old chemistry student, is a proud veteran donor. “My mom’s always done it, so when I turned 18 I decided it would be my good deed,” she said.

“I just really want to help people,” Laura Romero, 18, a first time donor said. “I’m actually really scared of needles but it’s worth it.”

Nurse Samantha Gutierrez explains, “We never have enough blood. After we take it to central, they process it and then it is sent out all over San Diego and Orange County.“

The National Bone Marrow Registry was also present, registering new potential donors.

All potential donors had to do was fill out a simple form and have a swab of saliva taken from their inner cheek. If in the future they are found to be a match for a person in need, they must be willing to go and donate their marrow.

The San Diego Blood Bank and National Bone Marrow Registry will return monthly, with their next drive being on March 21 at 9 a.m. in Gorton Quad.

Walk-ins are welcome, though having an appointment can make the process quicker.

Appointments can be made online at www.sandiegobloodbank.org.