The American Red Cross Club is organizing this year’s annual blood drive, which will be held on campus today Oct. 23 in honor of sophomore Brycen Newman.

“So far everything has been going well,” senior and Red Cross Club leader Madison Gustini said. “Around 50 students have signed up to donate blood, and our original goal was to get a minimum of forty students to sign up, so at this point, we’re just trying to sign up as many students as we can before today.”

According to the website redcrossblood.org, a person’s blood donation can save up to three lives, and there are more than 41,000 blood donations needed every day.

Many cancer patients need blood transfusions during chemotherapy treatment. Just in 2014 alone, more than 1.6 million people were diagnosed with some form of cancer.

“We would love to see as many people as possible donate blood,” senior Kylie Freitas said. “This blood drive will be held in Brycen’s honor, so students who are afraid to donate blood should know that it’s for a great cause.”

There are a few requirements students need to follow in order to donate blood.

“California law requires you be seventeen years old if you want to donate blood, and you need to weigh at least 110 pounds,” Gustini said. “Make sure you eat a big, healthy breakfast before you go to donate. Getting a good night’s sleep and drinking plenty of water are crucial in keeping you healthy during and after your donation.”

There will be a table set up during lunch where students can sign up to donate blood, or students can stop by Ms. Christine Lagrimas’ office and sign up there, too. Parents also are invited to give blood.