Dozens of SF State students turned out today for an on-campus blood drive.

The Student Health Advisory Committee invited the Blood Centers of the Pacific back after a blood driver last semester at Student Health Services. The blood drive, which took place in the conference room of the Student Health Services building, had 50 people scheduled for appointments today from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. as well as dozens of walk-ins.

Bay Area hospitals use close to 500 pints of blood per day, but the Blood Centers of the Pacific can only supply around 250 pints, according to Kelli Quinlan, a recruiter for the blood centers. The non-profit organization sends for blood from other parts of the country. They supply blood to over 40 hospitals locally, which accounts for over 50,000 patients annually.

“We have always experienced a shortage of blood,” said Quinlan.

Students filled out an extensive health history questionnaire. They were required to meet with a nurse who elaborated on questions and performed a mini-physical, checking temperature, blood pressure and iron levels. After successfully completing the screening process, students donated a pint of blood each.

Students were turned away if they had not eaten within the past four hours, weighed less than 110 pounds or had gotten a tattoo less than a year ago.

Students chose to donate blood for numerous reasons, but primarily it was to help others.

Ty Ronquillo, a 28-year-old political science major, has been donating blood every eight weeks for the last 10 to 11 years. His interest was first sparked in high school when a speaker came to emphasize the importance of giving blood. Ronquillo was then encouraged further when he joined the U.S. Army.

“There are so many people out there that need blood,” said Ronquillo. “Sept. 11 was really a wake-up call for Americans. It’s important that we help our neighbors without any recognition.”

Some donated blood because they had a personal relationship with a friend or relative who needed blood.

“My uncle had kidney problems in the past and had lots of blood transfusions, so that’s why I thought I should help others,” said Grace Layugan, a biology major.

When Vanessa Kinney, a 21-year-old psychology major, entered the conference room her face was sheet white and her eyes darted around the room of chair beds anxiously. Despite her visible nervousness, Kinney gave blood anyway.

“Needles, nurses and blood in general - I can’t stand,” explained Kinney. “My mother is AB-, which is a rare blood type and if anything happened to her I would want someone to help. Although I am not her same blood type I can help another person.”

The Blood Centers of the Pacific has many reasons they recommend giving blood - every three seconds someone needs a blood transfusion, a pint of blood can help up to three people, you’ll receive a mini physical, you’ll learn your blood type, it’s safe simple and it saves lives. Today's volunteers at Student Health Services received a coupon for $15 off a purchase at Sports Basement for their donation.

Two additional blood drives take place this semester. One will take place at the Village apartments on May 4 and 5. Another blood drive will take place at Mary Ward hall on May 9.