ANN ARBOR (Jan. 12, 2023) – American Red Cross Michigan Region will host blood drives as a part of the Big 10 Blood Battle Jan. 13 – Feb. 22. The friendly competition challenges four Big 10 Universities – University of Michigan battles Michigan State, University of Wisconsin and Penn State – to see who can get the most blood donations.
The need for blood is constant but this Big 10 Blood Battle comes on the heels of severe winter weather that caused blood drive cancellations across Michigan, leaving thousands of pints of blood to have gone uncollected.
January is also National Blood Donor Month – a perfect time to roll up a sleeve to help those in need of lifesaving blood, said Mary Lynn Foster, Regional Chief Executive Officer, American Red Cross Michigan region.
“It’s blood drives like the Big 10 Blood Battle that will help ensure lifesaving blood remains available for patients in communities across our great state,” Foster said. “Whether you are a current donor or looking to donate for the first time, you are engaging in a truly selfless act.”
The Blood Battles kicks off this Friday, Jan. 13, in the University of Michigan Hospital lobby. The Red Cross will hold additional blood drives on the U of M campus through Feb. 22.
To schedule an appointment during the challenge visit RedCrossBlood.org or by call 1-800-RED CROSS and use sponsor code GoBlue. You can also find a list of all the drives through Feb. 22 at RedCrossBlood.org. All donors will receive a commemorative Red Cross T-shirt and will also get a buy one, get one free coupon from Washtenaw Dairy (while supplies last). Also, people who donate in the month of January are automatically entered for a chance to win a trip to Super Bowl LVII in Arizona.
Appointments are preferred but walks-in are welcome, said Erin Burns, Red Cross blood account manager for Southeast Michigan.
“Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood,” Burns said. “When you roll up a sleeve to donate, you help change a life.”
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MEDIA CONTACT: Alicia Dorr | alicia.dorr@redcross.org | 616-306-8040
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.