The Meek Blood Center will bring two bloodmobiles to campus Thursday for students to make a blood donation.

The mobile blood centers will be located between the Administrative Building and the Brown Library from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Brandon Schmermund, senior psychology major from El Campo, chooses to donate because of his rare blood type. Schmermund donated throughout high school and once at ACU.

“Everyone needs to try to donate at least once, if not more than that,” Schmermund said. “I got a letter in the mail the other day saying I’d saved a life. I feel great just knowing that.”

Although donors normally are given the option of making single or double donations of red blood cells, the machine used for double donations, ALYX, will not be available on the bloodmobile Thursday. Donors who wish to give double donations will need to visit the center to do so.

“We have a consistent need. It never goes away, the beauty of going to colleges is that there are just so many students there,” said Frances Baker, donor recruiter for Meek Blood Center.

The blood donation process takes about 45 minutes, including the examination and donating period. During the first step, students will be asked to supply a brief medical history. Baker also encourages students to come prepared to give blood by eating a balanced iron-rich meal.

“It’s very important before you donate blood to eat a good meal and drink lots of water or juice,” Baker said.

Students who donate blood are eligible to receive service hours. The service hour time sheet can be found in the Center for Christian Service and Leadership.

“It’s important for anyone who’s eligible to give blood because right now we don’t have an artificial substitute,” Baker said. “We have to get it from volunteer donors to give it to people who need blood transfusions.”

If students are not able to donate Thursday, they can schedule an appointment with the Meek Blood Center for credit. Contact the center from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 670-2799.