Rival schools compete to increase blood donations and help save lives
NASHVILLE, Tenn., Sept. 13, 2022 — The Western Kentucky University Hilltoppers and the Middle Tennessee State University Blue Raiders are teaming up with the American Red Cross and taking their rivalry off field to help save lives and earn top bragging rights in the 10th WKU vs. MTSU Blood Battle begins on Sept. 26 at WKU and later at MTSU on Oct. 3.
All presenting donors will receive a commemorative WKU vs. MTSU Blood Battle T-shirt, while supplies last. Plus, all presenting donors will receive a $20 Amazon.com Gift Card**, by email, courtesy of our partners at Amazon.***
During the three-day battle, the archrivals will each host a blood drive to see which university’s supporters can bring in the most blood donations. The university with the most units collected will be presented with the blood battle trophy at the WKU vs. MTSU football game Saturday, Oct. 15 at MTSU.
“The annual Blood Battle between WKU and MTSU has become a wonderful historical feud which evokes strong school spirit and pride from fans on both sides,” said Clif Redish, Regional Donor Services Executive for the Red Cross Tennessee Region. “This is a great way for fans to truly show their school spirit while helping the American Red Cross save lives with blood donation.”
Every two seconds someone in the United States needs blood. This drive comes as the Red Cross has a critical need for eligible donors of all blood types to be a lifeline for patients in need this fall. Accident and burn victims, heart surgery patients, organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease may need blood products.
Those with types O, A negative and B negative blood are encouraged to make a Power Red donation. Power Red donors give a concentrated dose of red blood cells during a single donation, allowing them to maximize their impact. During this type of donation, red blood cells are separated from other blood components, and the plasma and platelets are safely and comfortably returned to the donor.
12th Annual WKU vs. MTSU Blood Battle
WKU
Monday, Sept. 26, Tuesday, Sept. 27 and Wednesday, Sept. 28
10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Preston Health and Activity Center basketball-tennis courts
1906 College Heights Blvd.
Bowling Green, KY. 42101
To schedule an appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code: WKU or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Walk-ins welcome
MTSU
Monday, Oct. 3, Tuesday, Oct. 4, and Wednesday, Oct. 5
10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Rec Center gym
1301 Main St.
Murfreesboro, TN. 37132
To schedule an appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code: MTSU or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Walk-ins welcome
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also must meet certain height and weight requirements.
Blood donors can save time on their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.
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/Tennessee or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCrossTN.
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