With the recent urgent appeal to people because of low blood supplies in the nation's blood banks, it's Penn State students time to step up to help aid the region's low supply.

There are about 12,000 students at University Park alone during the summer session. At a time in America, post-Sept. 11, and the continual alert for terrorist attacks, blood is most needed during this time. Because of the number of students at Penn State, it is a place where blood is readily available.

Steve Campbell, donor resources representative for Centre, Mifflin and Juniata counties, said most blood banks had about a one-day supply at the time of the appeal. Usually blood banks have an "ideal" one-week supply. This is truly a matter of life or death in a one-to-two day period.

Donors can safely give blood every 56 days. With 12,000 students, the time-period between those days can be monumental.

The severe shortage began after Memorial Day. Campbell said one reason is that people may believe blood banks are still well-supplied from Sept. 11 or are afraid of the heightened donor restrictions. However, Campbell also said platelets are only good for five days. Red blood cells can last for 42 days and plasma can be frozen for up to a year.

The need is out there and the means to supply it are right here on this campus.

While you're enjoying the warm State College summer days or taking road trips, remember many people are not enjoying the same type of days. Taking an hour out of your day could bring many more days for another person to enjoy some of the same things you are enjoying now. There are many opportunities on campus to donate blood year-round as well as off campus drives.

Eligible donors must be at least 17 years old -- most college students are this age. A donor must weigh at least 105 pounds and be in good general health. The next donation opportunities on campus are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 18 in the HUB-Robeson Center, noon to 6 p.m. July 23 in Pollock Halls and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 24 in the HUB-Robeson Center.

Realize the many sacrifices given by many people each year and take the time out of your summer to repay some of them.