UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- The 21st annual Penn State-Michigan State Blood Challenge for the American Red Cross will kick off Nov. 3 and run until Nov. 20.
The challenge encourages blood donations from students and members of the community in a friendly competition. The blood drives will be held at various locations on the University Park campus. Penn State has won 13 years while Michigan State has won seven. Penn State’s goal is to collect 1,600 pints of blood this year. One pint is given during each donation and can help save up to three lives. All eligible donors are encouraged to join the cause and help Penn State achieve this goal.
“In my opinion, this rivalry is a win-win situation. All students involved are saving lives with the American Red Cross and at the same time actively promoting school spirit,” said Penn State President Eric Barron.
Presenting donors will receive a Penn State-Michigan State Challenge T-shirt and refreshments at the canteen.
Every two seconds there is a need for blood transfusion in the United States. All blood types are needed especially type O negative, known as the universal blood type. The blood donated through the Red Cross will help treat cancer patients, trauma victims, organ transplant recipients, premature babies, sickle cell disease sufferers and more. The rivalry between Penn State and Michigan State has led to 72,016 blood donations since 1994.
Student organizations on campus will be competing against each other for the Alpha Epsilon Delta Blood Cup, sponsored by Penn State’s premedical honor fraternity. This competition features awards for three different categories of organizations, small group, large group and social Greek group. Last year’s winners were East Halls Residence Association, Earth and Mineral Science Student Council, and Phi Mu Sorority.
“What sets apart the Penn State community from other universities is our commitment to making a difference. Through the Penn State-Michigan State Blood Challenge, THON and many other philanthropic endeavors, Penn State will continue to touch the lives of others,” said Barron.
To schedule an appointment to donate visit www.redcrossblood.org. Also, the American Red Cross offers a free Blood Donor App for iPhone and Android at www.redcross.org/mobileapps. Walk-in donations are welcome.