Sorority to host blood drive today

Most people think of giving blood as a grueling process that involves sticking needles into their arms, but for Junior Shiva Kalaiselvan, the purpose of giving blood is to save a life.\n"There are a lot of people out there that need it, and if you can, why not," she said. "There's no reason not to if you're healthy."\nGamma Phi Beta sorority will host the second -- annual blood drive, taking place today from 1 to 6:30 p.m. at the Gamma Phi house on Jordan Avenue. Those planning on donating should remember to bring a picture ID.\nThe purpose of the event is to collect blood from as many donors as possible in order to fit the increasing demand for Indiana hospitals. \n"All the blood (that is donated) goes to one of 46 Indiana hospitals," said Elise Brown, director of corporate communications for the Indiana Blood Center. "To support that, we need 500 (donors) every day." \nThe most-needed blood type is O-negative, which is one of the least common blood types in the state. The AB blood type is also rare, belonging to less than 2 percent of Hoosiers. \nA large variety of blood types is necessary to have on hold just in case an emergency should arise.\n"At least a three to four day supply at all times is the goal, even though (it may not be) met," said Brown. \nThe great need for these blood types make it necessary for the Indiana Blood Center and others to be flexible when hosting blood drives.\n"That's why we are open six days a week, and have blood drives on Sundays. We'll go out any day, any time to meet the needs of hospitals," Brown said. \nLast year, the blood drive raised 75 to 100 successful pints and those who gave received a free T-shirt. This year, the sorority expects a similar turn out. \n"Every person that tries to donate gets a free T-shirt," said Jenna Kirkpatrick, philanthropy chair of Gamma Phi.\nBrown considers the free T-shirt a show of gratitude to the donor.\n"The T-shirt is a thank you to those who take an hour out of their time and an encouragement to come back in the future to donate," Brown said. \nAlthough the free shirts are quite enticing to those who regularly donate, Brown believes it doesn't encourage those who have never donated to give blood. \n"(For) someone who doesn't plan on donating, the T-shirt won't make a difference to change their mind," she said.\nIn order to make the process easier, a helpful hint is to eat three hours before donating. \n"It also helps to drink a couple glasses of water right before you donate to get your fluids up. (Being fully hydrated and eating) can make a huge difference," said Brown.\nBrown said she believes the importance of high school and college blood drives is increase the likelihood the students continue to donate throughout their adult lives.\n"There really is not such a thing as too much blood. The issue is that we don't have enough blood," she said. \n-- Contact staff writer Andrea Opperman at acopperm@indiana.edu.