The blood drive started today at the USC Village at 10 a.m and those who got there early enough received a $10 In-N-Out gift card.
Donor Matthew Brady has given blood a dozen times and explains why it continues to be important.
Brady: It seems that there’s a shortage of blood at all times. So that’s something that we can give and it replenishes replenishes itself. So why not?
Brady said it’s a good way to give back especially if you have a universal blood type.
Brady: To me, personally, it’s just one good way to pay it forward in the world, and it’s something that I’m blessed to have. I have O positive blood, which goes a long way with helping people.
LifeStream Blood Bank is the blood supplier for Keck Medicine at USC and organized two other campus blood drives back in February and in March.
This blood bank also provides services to medical facilities in six counties and in more than 80 Southern California hospitals.
Donor Naomi Tanaka is one of many who have a personal connection with the shortage issue.
Tanaka: My dad recently got his appendix removed. And so surgery, and like just making sure that like they have enough supplies is really important... it’s like 10 minutes out of your day to help save some other people.
Tanaka said donations can go a long way to those who experience a variety of health issues.
Tanaka: I’ve heard that like, one donation of blood can help save roughly three lives. And so people who have had cancer or who have gone through other surgical projects typically do need a blood donation or blood product...and so it’s basically about just giving back.
This was the last opportunity of the school year to participate in the monthly campus blood drives.