ANN ARBOR (Oct. 30, 2026) - University of Michigan Health, in partnership with the American Red Cross will host Be a Hero at the Big House Blood Drive on Sunday, Nov. 1, as part of the 44th annual Blood Battle against rival Ohio State University.

The Be a Hero drive is the largest single-day blood donation event on the U-M campus. Donors will have the opportunity to visit Michigan Stadium’s Jack Roth Stadium Club during the event, which runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Guests donating and not donating blood can participate in multiple activities throughout the day. These include registering to be an organ or bone marrow donor, and games with door prizes.

Be a Hero serves as the signature event of the Blood Battle, which challenges the two universities to collect the most pints of blood during blood drives in October and November. The Red Cross organizes the drives in collaboration with U-M. The final blood drive of the competition will be held Nov. 26.

"Every two seconds, someone in the United States is in need of blood,” said Robert Ernst, M.D., chief health officer for University of Michigan.

“Events like Blood Battle and Be A Hero are a great way to engage the community and to help institutions such as University of Michigan Health to deliver lifesaving care.”

The winning school of the Blood Battle will be presented with a trophy during the U-M vs. OSU football game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, OH on Saturday, Nov. 28.

“With the holiday season quickly approaching, one of the most challenging times of year for blood collection, we encourage people of all blood types to schedule an appointment to donate blood,” said Jenn Serra, account manager for the Red Cross in Michigan.

“Whether you're a first-time donor or a regular donor, giving at the Be a Hero at the Big House Blood Drive can make a meaningful difference while helping keep our blood supply ready for patients in need.”

All presenting donors who give at Be a Hero and other Blood Battle blood drives will receive a limited-edition commemorative Blood Battle T-shirt, complimentary snacks, coupons and be entered to win giveaway prizes.

For the third year running, anyone who donates blood between now and Friday, Dec. 4 can also submit their donation to the Abbott We Give Blood Drive across the Big Ten. The We Give Blood Drive encourages Big Ten students, staff and fans to go out and donate blood to help their favorite Big Ten college win $1 million to go towards student health and wellness. The winner of the We Give Blood Drive will be announced during the Big Ten Championship game on Saturday, Dec. 5. You can find more information about the We Give Blood Drive here.

To sign up to donate blood, visit 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.

For more information on how to be an organ, bone marrow or blood donor, visit Wolverines for Life.

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MEDIA CONTACTS: Valerie Goodwin / vagoodwi@med.umich.edu / 734-658-1519

Sydney Henry / sydney.henry@redcross.org / 313-439-4304

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 follow us on social media