SAN JOSE, CALIF.—Silver Creek Link Crew’s fall blood drive encourages students to donate blood in exchange for a $15 eCard and a graduation cord for seniors by the end of this month.

The annual fall blood drive, hosted by Link Crew in partnership with the Stanford Blood Center, is scheduled for Nov. 1, 2024, in Raider Hall. Students can sign up at the black table just outside Raider Hall during lunch, with a registration deadline of Oct. 31. If you’re too busy to sign up right now, no worries! There will be another blood drive for the spring semester as well.

Donating blood can feel complicated, especially if you’re unsure about your eligibility. “We ask you a series of questions regarding your age, height, weight, part of your medical history, and any medications you are taking. Based on that, we check to see if you are eligible,” said Priyanka Sen, President of the Red Cross Club and a volunteer for the drive. 

Sen emphasizes that the process is straightforward, with volunteers on deck to verify your eligibility, so donors don’t need to worry about figuring it out themselves. Once you submit your information, volunteers will attempt to respond to you as quickly as possible, so signing up early is recommended for those who are wary.

The donated blood is used for a large range of causes like “transplants, trauma patients, battling cancer, etc.,” Sen said. “One blood donation can save 3 lives.” Many people may not realize it, but even a small amount can significantly change somebody’s life. While it may seem like just a bag of blood, donors have the opportunity to aid those in critical need.

If you’re still unsure, it has been proven that donating blood not only benefits recipients but also donors! “…it also helps you because you have a lesser chance of suffering from strokes,” says Sen. Donating blood improves blood circulation, which has been linked to a lower risk of strokes, heart attacks and the formation of blood clots. Regular donations, even once a year, help with reducing the risk of various heart diseases.

Interested donors should be sure to sign up before the end of October. Remember, your participation truly makes a difference—and it can benefit your health as well.