Alpha Omicron Pi sorority and Sigma Pi fraternity will host a blood drive at the Sigma Pi fraternity house Friday. The blood drive is hosted in cooperation with LifeSouth Community Blood Services and will benefit local hospitals and clinics where blood and plasma are currently in short supply.

The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday at 435 Jefferson Ave. and will be an open event to University of Alabama students and faculty. LifeSouth will be accepting all blood types for donation and offering free cholesterol screenings and blood-typing for each blood donor.

Grant Kehler, the Sigma Pi officer responsible for coordinating the blood drive, said his fraternity is grateful for those who have already registered to donate blood, as well as his hope that the registered list will continue to grow as the event nears.

“We see this event as a great way to give back to our community through providing our local hospitals with a critical resource which is always in high demand,” Kehler said. “In a single year, over five million Americans will need a blood transfusion, and everyone can help contribute to that lifesaving number.”

The blood drive organizers will have food and drinks on hand for blood donors to aid in the recovery process. Walk-ins will be allowed and are encouraged to donate at the event throughout the day. The organizers also welcome participants to remain on site for as long as they care to enjoy the event.

[IF YOU GO]

What: Alpha Omicron Pi and Sigma Pi blood drive

When: Friday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Where: Sigma Pi fraternity house at 435 Jefferson Ave.