Iowa State may not be an Ivy League school, but anyone who participates in the Fall Blood Drive this week will attain “I.V. League” status.

The 1999 Fall Blood Drive “Come Join Our I.V. League” starts today in the Great Hall of the Memorial Union.

Donors can stop in Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Movies will be playing for participants to watch while waiting to give blood, and donors will be treated to juice and cookies after they are done. Fan favorite Cy will be around for at least two hours each day.

“The ISU blood drive’s claim to fame is that we are the largest student-run blood drive in the nation,” said Cara Schmidt, co-executive director of the blood drive.

“Our theme this year is every year, 4 million Americans have a need for blood products, which is a demand of 40,000 units per day,” said Schmidt, junior in advertising. “The shelf life of red blood cells is only 120 days.”

Schmidt said 95 percent of the people who live to the age of 72 need blood sometime in their lives.

“Give now because you might need it later,” she said.

Mike Kliegl, co-executive director of the blood drive, said each donation takes about 45 minutes.

People are not allowed to donate blood if they have certain medical problems, have had needle piercings within the last year or if they are sick with an obvious cough or the flu.

Schmidt said most people know if they are able to donate, but she recommends stopping in if you are unsure.

Those who are unable to donate blood can volunteer to help the blood drive flow successfully, said Kliegl, senior in computer engineering.

Last year, there were 1,700 donors, and this year’s goal is 2,400 donors, Schmidt said.

“We are really trying to hit the community this year,” she said. “That is the only way to hit our goal.”

Red Cross volunteers from blood centers in Ames, Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, Ottumwa, Waterloo and Omaha, Neb., will be at the blood drive to help.

“Noon to 3 is always the busiest, so if you can come in the morning we can usually get you in with no wait,” Schmidt said.