March 3, 2011 - 4:33pm
Campus Clubs: Blood Drives United
BY CLAIRE GOSCICKI
Though many students won’t have the opportunity to see the Ohio State University game on the gridiron in Columbus during Thanksgiving break, Blood Drives United is offering an alternative way to support the University in its longstanding rivalry against the Buckeyes.
Now in its 29th year, the UM/OSU Blood Battle is collecting blood for the American Red Cross and pitting rival schools against one another in the process. Blood Drives United — along with other campus organizations including Alpha Phi Omega, the Red Cross Club and Circle K — is encouraging students to show their school spirit through friendly competition and help those in need of healthy blood.
Last year and the year prior, the Wolverines won the battle, and LSA senior and Blood Drives United chair Mary Rock said she expects this year to be no different.
"Blood Battle is off to a great start,” Rock said. “We've had a lot of excited first-time and returning donors, and we're looking forward to seeing even more people come donate in the next week and a half."
With 20 more blood drives left this month supporting Blood Battle, Rock said her organization is trying to incorporate all parts of campus into the competition. To register to donate blood at a variety of locations on campus including the Michigan Union and Yost Ice Arena, students can log on to www.redcrossblood.org and enter goblue into the sponsor code field.
“Our numbers (of participants) have been increasing,” Rock said. “We were able to raise our goal this year to 2,500 pints.”
In addition to focusing on recruiting donors, Rock said she and others in the organization want to make the drives fun and safe for all involved.
She added that it’s important for donors to eat prior to giving blood, stay hydrated throughout the day and expect to be in a donation appointment for up to an hour and a half.
“I know students are busy but … you could be saving three lives,” she said.
