Basic requirements for blood donors:

• Be in generally good health and feel well
• Be at least 17 years of age (no upper age limit)
• Weigh at least 110 pounds

Other requirements:

• Eat a good meal and drink plenty of fluids before donating.
• Bring picture identification: driver's license, school ID, passport, or military ID. The San Diego Blood Bank requires proof of identification for all donors.
• Bring your donor ID card, if you have one.

Restrictions on who can donate: Certain medical conditions, prescription drugs, and other criteria may affect your ability to donate blood. Get specific information at the San Diego Blood Bank Web site.

How often can I donate? Donors can give blood every 56 days.

Upcoming blood drives: The San Diego Blood Bank will hold blood drives at UCSD on the following dates in 2009:

• Tuesday, May 5; Wednesday, May 6; and Thursday, May 7, 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. in the Price Center Bear/ Red Shoe Room (map)

• Tuesday, June 2; Wednesday, June 3; and Thursday, June 4, 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. in the Price Center Bear/ Red Shoe Room (map)

• Wednesday, July 15; and Thursday, July 16, 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. in the Bloodmobile on Library Walk

• Wednesday, Aug. 12; and Thursday, Aug. 13, 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. in the Bloodmobile on Library Walk

• Tuesday, Sept. 22; Wednesday, Sept. 23; and Thursday, Sept. 24, 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. in the Price Center Bear/ Red Shoe Room (map)

Walk-ins are welcome; however, appointments will be honored first. To schedule an appointment, or for more information, call the San Diego Blood Bank, (800) 4MY-SDBB (800-469-7322), or go to the Blood Bank's Web site.

When scheduling an appointment, please provide sponsor code: UCPC. You can earn points for each blood donation and shop online at the Life Saver Store for hats, visors, T-shirts, backpacks, iPod Shuffles and more.

Questions? Contact Tonia Snee, (858) 534-0286.