Media Contact: Lily McCormick
Regional Communications Manager
lily.mccormick@redcross.org I 385-584-7610
LOGAN, Utah (September 2, 2025) — Utah State University (USU) and Weber State University (WSU) are once again going head-to-head in their annual American Red Cross Blood Battle, turning a spirited campus rivalry into a lifesaving tradition. Since its launch in 2003, the competition has collected more than 20,000 units of blood, providing critical support to patients across Utah and beyond.
“Reaching the 20,000-milestone last year was a huge marker of success,” said Michael Smauldon, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Northern Utah. “Both communities rally around these drives and show up ready to donate during a time when donations are historically down nationwide. We’re excited to be back on campus this year and continue this tradition.”
The September drives come at a crucial moment: blood supplies often dip following Labor Day weekend while hospital demand remains strong. While all blood types are needed, the Red Cross is urging those with Type O and Type B negative blood to donate. Type O positive is the most transfused blood type, compatible with 85% of patients, while Type O negative is the universal blood type used in emergencies. Type B negative is rare, found in less than 2% of the population. Patients with B negative blood can only receive transfusions from B negative or O negative donors.
Blood Battle Schedule
Utah State University Blood Drive Details:
When: Tuesday, Sept. 2 – Friday, Sept. 5, 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Where: Taggart Student Center
Appointments: Visit RedCrossBlood.org and use the sponsor code BLEEDBLUE.
Weber State University Blood Drive Details:
When: Monday, Sept. 8 – Friday, Sept. 12, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Where: Shepherd Union Building (SUB) and Dee Event Center
Appointments: Visit RedCrossBlood.org and use the sponsor code BLEEDPURPLE.
Mystery PEANUTS® x Red Cross Shirt Promotion
Can’t make it to Logan or Ogden for the Blood Battle? Donating is still easy. Appointments can be made by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcross.org/GiveBlood or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
To inspire giving around Labor Day, the American Red Cross and PEANUTS® are once again joining forces to reward blood donors. In celebration of the 75th anniversary of PEANUTS, all who come to give blood, platelets or plasma from Aug. 29 to Sept. 21, 2025, will receive an exclusive Red Cross x PEANUTS mystery bag with one of four special T-shirt designs, while supplies last. Visit RedCrossBlood.org/Peanuts for details.
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.
