San Diego Blood Bank held its most recent blood drive on Sept. 11 in Gorton Quad at City College.

Susana Gonzales, a Psychology major at City College was the first to arrive and eager to do her part.

“There are people out there who need it. I’ve wanted to do it for a while, to help people. It’s all for a good cause.” Gonzales said.

“It’s good for you, to donate and produce blood,” returning donor and Biology major Criselma Verumen said. “It’s beneficial for health, your health too.”

Potential donors are expected to fill the necessary paperwork to verify if they meet the San Diego Blood Bank qualifications.

According to its website, donors must be at least 15-16 years old, with parental consent. There no upper age limit. Applicants must be in general good health, weight at least 114 pounds and have a valid identification.

“There’s always a need for blood,” said San Diego Blood Bank volunteer James Ward. “So many people have died because of a lack of blood. One pint of blood can save three lives.”

Phlebotomist Veronica Badilla explains, “Blood is necessary for surgeries, trauma patients and cancer patients. Our inventory levels are based on how many people come to donate and you never know when you might need it.”

San Diego Blood Bank supplies hospitals in four Southern California counties. These counties include San Diego, Imperial, Orange, and Los Angeles counties receptively. With its entire blood inventory provided by 100 percent volunteer donor effort. According to its website, it currently process approximately 10,000 units of blood per month.

City College has become a yearly staple in the San Diego Blood Bank calendar, with the bloodmobile making a regular stop at the college. The next scheduled blood drive at the campus is on Dec.16 from 11 a.m.to 4 p.m.

Before donating, San Diego Blood Bank recommends for potential donors to familiarize themselves with the blood banks guidelines and any additional information by visiting its website at www.sandiegobloodbank.org.