The University of Michigan, in partnership with the American Red Cross, begins the 43rd annual Blood Battle against Ohio State University on Oct. 22.
The competition will bring in blood donations across both campuses to keep hospital shelves stocked with lifesaving blood products ahead of the holidays — one of the most challenging times to collect blood.
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U-M fans can donate blood at any Red Cross donation site across U-M’s campus. U-M’s on-campus donation organization, Wolverines for Life, is organizing the effort. The donations will count toward U-M’s total pints donated for the battle. Locations and sign-up for donation appointments are available via the Red Cross Blood Battle website.
“Approximately 29,000 units of red blood cells are needed daily in the United States and U-M Health needs 80 to 90 units daily to support transplants, trauma care, cancer treatments and more,” said Chris Sonnenday, Darrell A Campbell Jr, M.D. Collegiate Professor of Transplant Surgery and professor of surgery in the Medical School, and professor of health management and policy in the School of Public Health. “Every generous blood donation is crucial to saving lives.”
The largest blood drive for the Blood Battle is Nov. 23 at Michigan Stadium. Participants in the Be a Hero at the Big House event can donate blood in the Jack Roth Stadium Club, take part in stadium tours, win door prizes and enjoy watching the Detroit Lions take on the New York Giants on the club suite televisions.
The last day to donate to the battle is Nov. 26. The winning school will be presented with a trophy during the U-M versus OSU football game at the Big House on Nov. 29. OSU has won the last three trophies.
“Having blood products readily available can mean the difference between a loved one receiving critical medical care or having to wait,” said Erin Burns, donor recruitment account manager for the Red Cross in Michigan. “Blood donors play a vital role in helping to save lives.”
For the second year, Wolverine fans also can make their blood donations count for the Big Ten Conference’s “We Give Blood” competition, helping Michigan bring home $1 million for campus or community health.
Michigan students, alumni, and fans can log blood donations made anywhere in the United States through Dec. 5 — including donations made during the Blood Battle — to count for the Wolverines by texting “DONATE” to 222688 or visiting BigTen.org/Abbott.
