MOSES LAKE - A blood drive to increase the supply in eastern Washington now and promote donation in the future was held Wednesday at Big Bend Community College. The blood drive was sponsored by the college's MEChA chapter.

The blood drive was part of the club's effort to recognize the legacy of Hispanic leader Cesar Chavez, said Gabriela Oliva, project co-chair.

The goal was to collect 30 units, she said, but the project also was designed to raise awareness of blood donation among Hispanics. A lower percentage of Hispanics traditionally donate blood, as opposed to other ethnic groups, Oliva said.

The club's members also encouraged donors to sign up for the national bone marrow registry. Oliva said the percentage of Hispanics on the bone marrow registry is smaller relative to other ethnic groups.

The bone marrow registry is used to help patients in need of bone marrow transplants. It's used to find compatible matches for people when other avenues have been exhausted.

The Inland Northwest Blood Center, Spokane, ran the blood drive; they collected whole blood and set up a separate station, with a machine that separated the red blood cells as they were being collected.

The red blood cell separation produces a highly concentrated product. "Super-premium high test," said Laura Gaumend of the INBC. What's left after the blood cells are removed is returned to the donor while they're donating, she said.

The advantage to the patient is that they receive blood from one person, rather than a number of different people, and have less chance of a reaction, she said.

Oliva said MEChA members went all over the campus and throughout the community to spread the word about the blood drive. They want this to be the first of many. "Our goal is to do this every year," Oliva said.