Alpha Phi Omega, SMU’s fraternity dedicated to national service, sponsored its bi-annual blood drive this week.

The drive took place at the flagpole, where students and faculty were encouraged to donate blood and help save lives.

“The drive has lasted and entire week which means we have had a great turnout. You can save up to three people’s lives with your one donation, so we are encouraging everyone to come out and donate,” Alpha Phi Omega President Leah Ward said.

Even students who had never given blood came out this week to donate.

“I was pretty nervous because it was my first time to donate blood, but it is such a wonderful opportunity to help people who really are in need, and I think even people who are first timers should give it a shot because you are truly saving lives,” freshman Kelsey Eaton said.

All blood donated is handled by Carter Blood Care. The blood goes directly to Scottish Rite Hospital and immediately to patients who are in desperate need. Scottish Rite Hospital is a non-profit hospital that offers service to children with a socioeconomic disadvantage for no cost.

Not only does the blood go to patients, but with the donor’s consent their blood can also be tested for a bone marrow match. If the donor’s tissue type happens to match with a child who is in need of a bone marrow transplant the donor can be a literal life-saver. By getting tested, the donor increases the chances of saving the life of someone who matches their marrow or stem cells.

“Giving blood is great, but seeing if you are a bone marrow match can instantly save children who are dying of Leukemia and other horrible cancers,” said Venus Thomas, a medical practitioner for Carter Blood. “We are in desperate need for bone marrow matches, so I encourage anyone who donated blood to also be tested.”

The blood drive ends this Friday at 4 p.m., so students who have yet to donate are encouraged to come by the flagpole and donate.

Alpha Phi Omega holds a blood drive each semester.