The drive is being sponsored by the Beta Psi Chapter of Alpha Phi Omega, a co-ed service fraternity at the University, in partnership with the American Red Cross.

The drive is scheduled for noon to 5 p.m. on Dec. 3, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Dec. 4, and noon to 5 p.m. on Dec. 5.

Although all blood types are needed, type O negative is particularly needed. Type O negative is the "universal" blood type anyone can use. There currently is less than a two-day supply of Type O negative. Persons who do not know their blood type can find out which type they have by donating blood. After the drive, the American Red Cross will send those donors a card with their blood type and the number of times they have given blood in the past, which will expedite future blood donations.

In Missouri, healthy individuals who are at least 17 years old and weigh 110 pounds or more are eligible to donate blood. Federal regulations require whole blood donors to wait 56 days between donations. Platelet donors can donate as many as 24 times a year.

For more information about the blood drive or other blood drives in your area, call the American Red Cross at (573) 339-1822.