Candy (black shirt) and Kimberley Tetrault (red shirt) draw blood from a student’s finger to test the blood type. The blood test is the first step in the college’s 12th annual blood drive. The college is partnered with the Canadian Blood Services and is encouraging all staff and students to donate blood during the month of November.

Lethbridge College is showing its dedication to helping others by hosting its annual Blood Drive for the month of November.

The college has partnered with Canadian Blood Services for the 12th year and is encouraging staff and students to donate.

As a partner, the college has committed to saving lives by donating as a team to help ensure patients continue to receive the blood they need.

Cinnamon Meldrum, event coordinator for the blood drive said the college provides a great amount of support for the Lethbridge clinic.

“We have over 850 open appointments throughout November and the college gives us fantastic support through our Partners for Life program. We collect over 600 units of blood from college students, faculty and supporters over the month,” Meldrum said.

She said the blood drive is open to everyone, but there are some restrictions for people donating blood according to Canadian Blood Services.

Some of these restrictions include intoxication or use of any drugs, sickness or if you are within 12 months of having a sexually transmitted disease.

The college, along with other organizations like Canadian Blood Services encourage people to find a blood testing station to learn how one person can save a life.

Manjot Bansal, a nursing student at Lethbridge College, said donating blood is something anyone could do during their day.

“Even though people like us don’t really realize it, donating blood doesn’t take much out of your day or even much out of you. Honestly, it has no detrimental effects and it could save someone’s life,” Bansal said.

The nursing student said Canadian Blood Services has made the process really easy for the students as they have opened a donation office in the college. This allows students to have a fast and convenient way to donate.

Lethbridge College is encouraging all staff, students and alumni to head down to centre core every Wednesday during November to get a blood test and booked for a donation.

To learn more about Canadian Blood Services, how to donate or restrictions on donating, check the Canadian Blood Services website at blood.ca.