Blood will be shed on campus today — but don’t worry, it’s for a good cause.

From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. today, the Oklahoma Blood Institute will host a blood drive in the College Union, said Katie Treadwell, Service Learning and Student Life programs coordinator.

Treadwell said the event, usually held twice a semester, is open to everyone.

The first day of the blood drive was held yesterday.

Before giving blood, potential donors must fill out a questionnaire as well as complete a physical exam, said Karen Fabian, OBI representative.

To give blood, Fabian said, donors must be at least 17 years old and weigh more than 110 pounds.

She said she also encourages donors to eat a substantial meal before giving blood.

“It can leave you pretty weak and dizzy,” Fabian said.

“Eating a good, healthy meal, preferably one with lots of iron and protein, will help with that,” she said.

Fabian said blood donated at OCCC could end up as far north as Woodward, Okla., or across the Red River in Wichita Falls, Texas.

“OBI provides blood to more than 150 hospitals across Oklahoma and northern Texas,” she said.

For more information, contact Student Life at 405-682-7523, or visit the OBI website at www.obi.org.

Online Editor Whitney Knight can be reached at onlineeditor@occc.edu.