Since the tragedy in New York occurred, the need for blood has drastically increased. Although the blood supply has recently been stabilized, the need for blood still continues, said Tracy Torbeck, recruitment representative for the Illinois Chapter of the American Red Cross.

“President Bush asked for us to keep a six-month reserve of blood and blood products,” Torbeck said.

The American Red Cross East Central Illinois Chapter will sponsor a blood drive from 1 to 7 p.m. Thursday in the University Ballroom of the Martin Luther King Jr. University Union.

“We’d love to see EIU students there,” Torbeck said .

To be eligible to donate blood, the donor must be in good health, weigh at least 110 pounds and not been tattooed within the past year, Torbeck said.

She said the age requirement is 17 years old; however, 16-year-olds are allowed to donate blood as long as they have a parent’s consent.

Free t-shirts, donated by the EIU Blood Drive Committee and a variety of local businesses, will be given to all blood donors, and refreshments will be available courtesy of Panther Catering, Torbeck said.

This is the second blood drive this semester, and Torbeck said the Red Cross hopes to stagger donations to keep the blood supply at a safe level.

To schedule an appointment, students are encouraged to call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE, said Anita Sego, executive director of the Illinois Chapter of the Red Cross.

For further information about donating blood, contact Torbeck at (217)235-1178.