In attempts to aid the ever-growing need for donated blood, Alpha Phi Omega will begin accepting appointments today for its Feb. 22 and 23 blood drive.

APO members will take appointments at the Davies Center booth through Friday, but walk-ins are welcome on the days of the drive, said junior Tracy Skillman, APO blood drive coordinator.

Skillman estimates, from start to finish, it would take students donating blood about a half hour.

Several factors can be attributed to the increasing need for blood, said Jane Johnston, donor recruitment representative for the American Red Cross’ North Central Blood Services.

Requirements to give blood include being at least 17 years old, weighing at least 110 pounds and being in good health, Skillman said.

“We encourage everyone to at least stop in,” she said. “The worst that would happen is they get turned away.”

Typically, one pint of blood is drawn, which is enough to save three lives, Skillman said.

According to the American Red Cross, someone in the United States needs blood every two seconds. But with only 5 percent of the eligible U.S. population donating blood each year, donation is important, Johnston said.

“There’s always a need for blood – there is never too much,” she said.

Johnston said the greatest need is from donors who have type O or negative blood, along with first-time givers who do not know their blood type.

“If you’ve never given blood before,” she said, “we need first-time donors all the time.”

Blood donated at the drive will be used at hospitals in Wisconsin, Minnesota and parts of Iowa and South Dakota, Johnston said.

Skillman encourages students to donate to the drive.

“It’s saving lives in a convenient way,” she said, “and it only takes 15 to 30 minutes of your time.”