The American Red Cross Michigan Region invites the community to roll up a sleeve and give blood during the annual Blood Battle between rivals University of Michigan and Ohio State University.

This year marks the 40^th year of the spirited competition between the two universities to collect the most pints of blood during a series of blood drives for the Red Cross in October and November. This year’s event takes on added significance due to Hurricane Ian and the need for blood donations in Florida.

“Over the last several days, dangerous weather conditions and floodwaters have canceled dozens of blood drives in Florida with approximately 1,000 blood and platelet donations going uncollected,” said Mary Lynn Foster, regional chief executive officer of the Red Cross Michigan Region. “It’s blood drives like the Blood Battle that will help ensure lifesaving blood remains available for patients affected by this awful disaster as well as patients in their local community.”

The Blood Battles kicks off with the Be a Hero blood drive Sunday, Oct. 9, in the Jack Roth Stadium Club at the Big House – the largest single-day blood drive on the U-M campus. While appointments are filled for Sunday, walks-ins are welcome.

Sunday’s blood drive is the first of 37 other Red Cross blood drives to be held between Oct. 27 and Nov. 23 in and around U-M and Ann Arbor. Foster is among the donors scheduled to give blood on Sunday.  

“Donating blood is truly a selfless act and it can make a significant impact on those who need it,” she said. “Whether you are a current donor or looking to donate for the first time, you could help save a life.”

Isabella Bonnewit, who handles external affairs for Blood Drives United, the U-M student organization that helps coordinate the Be a Hero drive, said the goal is to collect 1,500 units of blood.

“Be a Hero is the largest blood drive of the Blood Battle, and we are incredibly grateful for all of the donors, volunteers and community partners that make it such a success,” Bonnewit said.

To sign up to donate blood, visit www.redcrossblood.org and type sponsor code “goblue” in the search box, call 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) or download the Red Cross Blood Donor App.  Appointments are preferred but walks-in are welcome, said Erin Burns, Red Cross blood account manager for Southeast Michigan.

“The need for blood is constant,” Burns said. “Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood. “When you roll up a sleeve to donate, you help change a life.”

MEDIA CONTACT: David Olejarz | david.olejarz@redcross.org | 313-303-0606

About the American Red Cross 
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.