Emporia State’s Spring Blood Drive will be from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on March 2 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on March 3 in the Colonial Ballroom of the Memorial Union. The blood drive is sponsored by Caduceus Society and the American Red Cross Club.

Dwight Moore, associate professor of biological sciences and faculty sponsor of Caduceus Society, said the goal is to collect about 150 pints of blood.

Moore said anyone who is over 18 years of age and in good health is eligible to sign up. Before donating blood, donators must complete a series of health tests, including answering several health-related questions and going through a hemoglobin check to ensure donators will not put themselves at risk from lack of iron.

Those interested need to bring a photo ID to sign up. Appointments can be made in person at the sign-up table in the Union’s Main Street from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Feb. 24, 25, 28 and on March 1. Appointments may also be made online at redcrossblood.org or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Chris Smith, Caduceus Society president, said that since its beginning in 2005, ESU has never won the competition, and that pending President Lane’s approval, and ESU’s defeat of Ft. Hays, all those who donate blood will receive free parking on March 11 with special parking passes handed out, and those who donate need to place their “I Gave Blood” sticker on that parking pass. The amnesty day for parking qualifies for all parking meters, and excludes Gold and Orange parking zones.

Smith also said that there’s currently a huge shortage of blood – 28,000 units across the nation – in part due to the inclement weather across the country.