ANN ARBOR (Oct. 15, 2026) – The American Red Cross is again teaming up with the University of Michigan for its annual Blood Battle against long-time rival Ohio State University. This friendly competition aims to bring in blood donations across both campuses and keep hospital shelves stocked with lifesaving blood products ahead of the holidays – one of the most challenging times to collect blood.

"To help us bolster our blood donations for the Blood Battle, we encourage people of all blood types to sign up to donate at one of our upcoming blood drives,” said Jenn Serra, account manager for the Red Cross in Michigan. “These drives are also a great opportunity for first-time blood donors to roll up their sleeves and help save a life.” Serra added, “It is also important, as we head into the busy holiday season, that donors keep their routine blood donation appointments to help keep our blood inventories stocked.”

This year marks the 44th year the two universities have vied to collect the most pints of blood during a series of blood drives.

The Blood Battle begins on Monday, Oct. 19, and runs through Wednesday, Nov. 25, with the Red Cross hosting more than 45 blood drives around U-M and Ann Arbor. Donors can also schedule an appointment for the Be a Hero blood drive on Sunday, Nov. 1. Be a Hero is the largest single-day blood drive on the U-M campus and donors have a chance to see the Big House from the Jack Roth Stadium Club.

“Approximately 28,300 units of red blood cells are needed daily in the U.S., and U-M Health needs 90-100 units daily to support transplants, trauma care, cancer treatments, and more,” said Chris Sonnenday, M.D., Transplant Center Director at U-M Health. “Organ, tissue and blood donors each save lives through their generosity. The Blood Battle highlights the daily impact and importance of blood donation.”

All presenting donors who give at Blood Battle drives will receive an exclusive Blood Battle T-shirt (while supplies last), a BOGO coupon for Washtenaw Dairy, a chance to win giveaways from local sponsors, a $10 Amazon gift card by email and 200 bonus points toward Donor Rewards.

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.

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MEDIA CONTACT: Renee Ketels / renee.ketels@redcross.org / 313-809-0902

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.