It only takes around one hour to donate blood, and that 60-minute investment can help save up to three lives.

The Greater Alleghenies Region of the American Red Cross is hoping faculty, staff and studentsas well as local community membersmake that investment in April at West Virginia University.

From its base in Johnstown, Pa., the Greater Alleghenies Region distributes blood and blood products to more than 100 hospitals across West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Maryland, Kentucky and Virginia.

Blood gives life to car crash victims needing transfusions, and to cancer patients who need the blood platelets and other byproducts to survive the rigors of their treatment.

Nearly 2,700 units of blood and its components were used last year alone by WVU Hospitals, according to numbers culled by the Red Cross. Neighboring Monongalia General Hospital required more than 7,500 units for patient care.

April blood drives at WVU :

• Thursday, April 1, 1-7 p.m., Stalnaker Hall, dining annex

• Thursday, April 8, 1-7 p.m., Arnold Hall, TV lounge

• Tuesday, April 20. 1-7 p.m., Lyon Tower, Gold Room (tie-dye T-shirts while they last and a chance for a mountain bike giveaway)

• Thursday, April 22, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center, John Jones Conference Room (call 598-4095 for appointment)

• Wednesday, April 28, 1-7 p.m., Boreman Hall, recreation room (bobblehead raffle)