The University of Texas Pan American is holding its third annual Cesar Chavez blood drive.

The blood drive is a three day event where up to 150 campuses across the nation compete to collect the most donations. The last two years, UTPA placed tenth and eleventh.

“But the good thing is the blood stays here in the valley,” says Cristian Mireles organizer

According to UTPA students, blood donations are at an extreme low in the Rio Grande valley area. But the university is trying to break that stigma.

“We need donations…5 percent donate in the nation and only 2 percent in the Rio Grande Valley,” says Mireles.

Tomorrow is the last day of the blood drive. Visit the UTPA campus library from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and donate blood. Reporting on health matters, I’m Lyssa Hansen.