The University of Central Florida, since 2010, has collected 11,032 pints of blood, helping to save 33,100 lives. And to continue that tradition, the university will participate Friday, June 13, in the World Blood Donor Day hosted by the UCF Police Department and UCF Parking Services.

“Donating blood is the most personal way any individual can serve their community and fellow human beings. Your blood donation truly changes lives,” said UCF Police Chief Richard Beary.

Florida’s Blood Centers are responsible for keeping hospitals fully supplied and will be on campus Friday to collect the blood donations. UCF hosted Florida’s first World Blood Donor Day drive in 2012 to help maintain an adequate supply of blood. About 39 percent of Americans are able to donate blood and fewer than 10 percent of them donate regularly, which continually strains blood supplies. For every pint of blood donated, three lives can be positively affected. Plus, blood donors are 88 percent less likely to suffer a heart attack and 33 percent less likely to suffer any type of cardiovascular event, according to the American Journal of Epidemiology.

Dr. Deborah German, dean of the College of Medicine, said “blood is ‘the gift of life’ that everyone can give.  There are times when blood is the only thing that can save a life.  It is then that this simple act is the only thing that matters.”

Additionally, with the start of hurricane season, having a large supply of blood on hand is a great way for local and state communities to be prepared and remain proactive in the event of severe weather.

The campus blood drive will be 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Parking is free. Walk-ins are welcome, or donors can make appointments ahead of time at one of the two locations on campus:

UCF Police Department: https://www.oneblood.org/

UCF Visitor’s Information Center: https://www.oneblood.org/

For more information about World Blood Donor Day at UCF, visit http://www.admfin.ucf.edu/WBDD/ or contact Tee Rogers in Administration and Finance at tee.rogers@ucf.edu.

To find other World Blood Donor Day drive locations and events or to find a donation center near you, visit www.oneblood.org