“It feels weird when they put the plasma back into your veins,” law major Crystal Garcia expressed looking back at her recent blood donation using the ALYX machine.

“I feel okay now, I was just cold,” Garcia added. She has donated blood many times using the traditional method but now only uses the ALYX.

“The normal way started bugging me, that’s why I stopped (donating) for a while,” she added referring to the recovery time immediately after donating blood.

ALYX is not only a bit more comfortable, it’s also a lot more efficient by taking out more red blood cells than the average donation and replenishes your body with plasma and saline, nursing technician Yadira Enriquez said.

“We even use a smaller needle with the ALYX,” Enriquez added.

The turnout for the blood drive has been really good according to Tami Koncsics, Red Cross team supervisor.

“It’s just been wonderful seeing the students that have stepped up to the plate,” she added.

The Red Cross Blood Mobile will remain at the Cerritos College Student Center Stage this week through Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Anybody with a valid I.D. is welcome to walk in or make an appointment to donate blood.

Information is available for anyone interested in knowing more about blood donation and how one can help.

“I think the more people are informed of the impact they can make, the more they will be encouraged to donate,” Koncsics suggested.

On campus, Falcons and others have donated much more than 50 pints each day so far.

The Red Cross isn’t scheduled back on campus until November so Wednesday is the last day to donate on campus.

The main requirements are for donors to be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds, and reach the height requirements of 5 feet for males and 5 feet 5 inches for females.

Other requirements may hinder a donor from donating, but most people that qualify for the preceding can usually donate without a problem.

Refreshments and snacks are provided free of charge to participants after they have donated blood to replenish nutrients and fluids.

Garcia added she was there for a good hour before two units of red blood cells were donated and the process was over.

The drive has been pretty busy so far according to Marina Zavala, on-the-job nursing instructor, who says it’s a welcomed workload.

“I think that the more people are informed on the impact they could make, the more they encourage.”