Dear University of Michigan Faculty, Staff, and Students:
Blood supply reserves are at their lowest levels in 15 years. The American Red Cross needs strong donor turnout to help replenish low blood supplies and to boost reserves for the upcoming holidays. Donors of all blood types are needed, especially those with an RH negative factor.
You can help make a difference! The 32nd annual Blood Battle will run from November 4th - November 27th, pitting the University of Michigan against Ohio State University. The competition extends the rivalry beyond the field to spur students, faculty, and staff to save lives. Over the past 31 years, the University of Michigan has collected over 106,000 pints of blood during the annual Blood Battle competition. This has the potential to positively impact up to three times as many patients in need.
Signing up is easy. If you visit the American Red Cross website, www.redcrossblood.org using the sponsor code "goblue," you will be able to view all of the drives in the Ann Arbor area. Make an appointment to donate at the drive that is most convenient for you. If you have never given blood, please consider making your first donation this November. If you are a loyal donor, this would be a great time to donate once again.
To celebrate the competition and to thank those who seek to save lives and propel Michigan toward victory, the American Red Cross will provide all who come to donate at any of our drives with a -Buy One, Get One Free- coupon from Chipotle, a wristband, and a t-shirt. Blood Battle has been successful for 31 years due to the efforts of U of M students, faculty, and staff. By donating, you help to ensure that local blood supply needs are met, as there is no substitute for blood.
We want to acknowledge that, due to blood donation eligibility requirements set by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), not everyone will be able to donate.There are other ways to raise awareness of the need for blood donation, and we encourage everyone to be supportive in any way that you can. For more information on blood donation eligibility requirements and other ways to contribute, please visit www.redcrossblood.org/donating-blood/eligibility-requirements.
Please contact bb13chairs@umich.edu with any questions. Sign up to donate blood at any of our drives here http://www.redcrossblood.org/make-donation-sponsor?field_sponsor_code_value=goblue! Make your appointment today!
Please eat iron rich foods and drink plenty of water before you donate blood! Thank you once again for giving the gift of life. Bleed MAIZE and BLUE to beat OSU!
