No one can predict when something tragic will happen. However, anyone can help the American Red Cross be prepared when it does.

The American Blood Drive joins Wichita State University once more from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today and Thursday in the Heskett Center lobby for a blood drive.

Blood may not seem like your typical drug, but Jennifer Keller, communications manager for the Central Plains Blood Services Region, says one blood donation can save up to three lives.

“This summer, our blood donations were way down, and it only takes about an hour. The needle is only is your arm for about five minutes,” Keller said.

They will be accepting all blood types, but because O-negative is the universal blood type and tends to be in higher demand, anyone who is O-negative is encouraged to donate.

In the state of Kansas, you must be at least 16 years old with parental consent to donate. Donors 17 years old or older may donate. There is no maximum age limit. Keller said people in their 90s still donate.

Another two requirements to donate are weighing at least 110 pounds and feeling well the day of the donation.

The American Red Cross will be trying something different this time. Instead of giving out T-shirts, students will be given a scratch ticket to go online and redeem a prize.

“We will also have our ALYX machine, which will allow donors to donate double red cells. However, they need to weigh more, and have a higher level of iron,” Keller said.

Other requirements to be a donor are:

•Must have been 56 days since donating whole blood.

•Donors with tattoos must wait one year before donating. Donors with ear and body tattoos can donate as long as the instruments used were sterile or single-use equipment. You should wait if there are any questions about the sterilization of the instruments or if they were free of blood contamination.