Rival schools compete to increase blood donations and help save lives
NASHVILLE, Tenn., Sept. 19, 2023 — 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 WKU vs. MTSU 100 Miles of Hope Blood Drive on Sept. 25-Sept. 27 at WKU and MTSU.
Race to give this September and get a coupon for free haircut by email, thanks to Sport Clips Haircuts and a chance to win a trip for two and VIP NASCAR experience to the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series & Xfinity Races at Darlington Raceway. Donors will also receive a $20 Amazon eGift Card and a collectible custom designed T-shirt. Terms: rcblood.org/win.
During the three-day blood drive, the archrivals will each host their own blood drives 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 drive trophy at either a WKU football game or at a MTSU football game. In 2022, MTSU took home the coveted award.
“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, district manager for donor recruitment with the American Red Cross Tennessee Valley. “We are currently experiencing a blood donation shortage in our region and this is a great way for fans to truly show their school spirit while helping the Red Cross save lives with blood donation.”
Every two seconds someone in the United States needs blood. This drive comes as the Red Cross is experiencing a shortage of blood donation for 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.
WKU vs. MTSU 100 Miles of Hope Blood Drive
WKU
Monday, Sept. 25
Tuesday, Sept. 26
Wednesday, Sept. 27
10:30 a.m. to 5:30 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, Sept. 25
Tuesday, Sept. 26
Wednesday, Sept. 27
11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
In the Rec Center
1848 Blue Raider Drive
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.
September is Sickle Cell Awareness Month
One in 3 African American blood donors is a match for people with sickle cell disease. To help ensure patients have the blood products they need, the Red Cross launched the Sickle Cell Initiative in 2021 to grow the number of blood donors who are Black and improve health outcomes for patients. Together longtime and first-time blood donors are helping patients with sickle cell manage their symptoms and showing support for their community.
Joined by Blood is the initiative’s focus during Sickle Cell Awareness Month in September and continues through October. This year, the Red Cross is proud to partner with organizations focused on mentorship, including 100 Black Men of America, Inc.; Kier’s Hope Foundation, Inc.; historically Black colleges and universities and member organizations of the National Pan-Hellenic Council; as well as the Black Radio Hall of Fame and others, who are all showing up for patients with sickle cell by hosting blood drives. To learn more, visit RedCrossBlood.org/OurBlood.
Amplify your impact − volunteer
A stable blood and platelet supply is critical to national preparedness. Additionally, as we are in the beginning of what is expected to be another active hurricane season, the Red Cross urges everyone to get ready now and consider becoming a volunteer to help people affected by the growing number of climate-driven disasters.
Support impacted communities by assisting at Red Cross shelters, using your professional skills as a licensed health care provider or becoming a member of the Red Cross Disaster Action Team. To learn more, visit redcross.org/volunteertoday.
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.