The University of Central Missouri Volunteer Services is partnering with the Community Blood Center of Kansas City to host a blood drive. The event is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jan 30-31 in the Elliott Student Union Ballroom in conjunction with campuswide Martin Luther King Jr. events, which is centered around service.

“Dr. King was a services oriented person and in his honor, it’s a chance to ‘Help Others,’” said Kristie Brinkley, assistant director of student activities with volunteer services.

According to the Community Blood Center, one pint of donated blood can help save as many as three people’s lives. This event is one of six blood drives the university hosts each year. Blood collected at this event will help hospital patients in the Warrensburg area.

Donors must be 16 years of age or older, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and provide photo identification or non-photo identification with first name, last name and signature.

One pint of blood can be expected to be donated and snacks will be provided afterward to avoid a drop in blood pressure. Organizers hope to collect between 100 and 150 units each day of the drive.

The blood drive is open to all students, faculty, staff and community members.

For more information, contact Brinkley at kbrinkley@ucmo.edu or call 660-543-4007.