There is no substitution for blood.

Blood is used inhospitals for surgeries, transplants and sick patients. Without it, how would anyone survive?

On Friday at noon, SF State received an award from the Blood Centers of the Pacific for "its outstanding commitment to the cause of blood donation." Dean Don Taylor of the College of Health & Human Services accepted the award on the college's behalf on Malcolm X Plaza.

"As a representative of the University, how proud we are that San Francisco State students lead all of the other student groups in the campuses around the Bay Area [in giving blood]," said Taylor.

SF State students, faculty and staff have donated more than 561 units this year, according to Lisa Bloch, spokeswoman for BCP. The amount is well above other neighboring universities.

"Blood is going to be used for three different components to save lives, said Bloch. Red blood cells, platelets and plasma, help various sick patients in hospitals. Combined, the SF State community has saved over 1,600 lives, according to Bloch.

"We need more people to come out and donate," said Bloch. She said about 20 percent of blood actually comes from other states including Arizona and New Mexico.

She also said it would be great if more ethnic groups donated blood as well.

Jesse Addams, 20, said, "It feels good to give back [to the community]." The world cultures major said it was important to give blood and simple to do.

Although this was the last week of the BCP drive at SF State, students, faculty and staff can still donate blood at their centers in San Francisco.

For more information about requirements for donating and where to donate blood, visit http://www.bloodcenters.org.

BCP provides blood for 40 Bay Area hospitals including all San Francisco hospitals.