Northwestern to Host ‘The We Give Blood Drive’ on October 23 at Ryan Fieldhouse – Northwestern Athletics

Evanston, Ill. – Northwestern Athletics is partnering with the Big Ten and Abbott to boost the U.S. blood supply through a blood donation competition. It will put rivalry and school spirit to the test as all of the schools compete to see who can donate the most blood, positively impacting lives across the country.

 

“The We Give Blood Drive” initiative is designed to motivate Big Ten students, alumni and fans to donate blood by tapping into school pride and devotion to their teams. The school credited with donating the most blood — each donation counts for 1 point — will be named “The We Give Blood Drive” champion. The winning school will receive $1 million to advance student or community health.

 

“The We Give Blood Drive” at Northwestern

Date: Wednesday, October 23

Time: 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. CT

Registration: Sign-up here

Location: Wilson Field in Ryan Fieldhouse at Walter Athletics Center (2255 N Campus Dr, Evanston, IL 60208)

Parking: North Garage for a $9 fee (Google Maps directions)

Upload proof of donation: Submit your donation online

 

Members of the Northwestern community and the general public are encouraged to attend.

 

The competition comes at a time when the U.S. is experiencing one of the biggest blood shortages in a generation, in part due to the fact that the number of younger donors has declined sharply in recent years. The initiative aims to inspire young people to become life-long donors to ensure a stable blood supply, especially as older adults become unable to donate.

 

Blood donations are needed for a wide variety of medical reasons, including trauma and accident victims, mothers experiencing complications after childbirth, and individuals receiving cancer treatment. One donation can save up to three lives.

 

The X’s and O’s

“The We Give Blood Drive” blood donation competition will run during the college football season, from Sept. 26 through Dec. 6, with the winner announced at the Big Ten Championship Game on Dec. 7 in Indianapolis. Donation totals will be tracked live at BigTen.Org/Abbott throughout the campaign.

 

People who want to donate blood as part of the competition can learn more about eligibility, find participating local blood centers and validate their donation to count for their school of choice at BigTen.Org/Abbott.

 

Mobile blood drives for students and faculty are planned on campuses throughout the season. If someone lacks a participating center near them, they may choose to donate blood at any center across the country and upload proof of donation (find a donation center here). Everyone who participates in the competition also will receive a free one-month subscription to B1G+, the Conference’s streaming service via an email after uploading their proof of donation. Participants will also be entered to win two tickets and a trip to the Big Ten Football Championship Game on Dec. 7.