Penn State Competes with Michigan State in Blood Donor Challenge

Story posted November 7, 2019 in CommRadio, News by Jack McCune

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Penn State Nittany Lions and the Michigan State Spartans square off every year on the gridiron, but the two schools compete in more than just football. For the 25th year in a row, the two schools are facing off against each other in their annual Blood Donor Challenge to see which university can collect the most blood.

The blood drive, provided by American Red Cross, began in the Hub on Tuesday morning and will be available at other locations around campus throughout the month of November.

Both universities have a goal of collecting 1,000 units of blood this semester for a total of 2,000 units. This would be enough blood to save up to 6,000 lives.

Melissa Wolf, the blood drive’s coordinator, said that it’s very important to give blood in the month of November because donations go down during the holiday season.

Every three seconds, someone in the country needs blood, and the Red Cross insists that all those who are able should donate blood. Type-O blood donors are especially needed.

To schedule a donation appointment, visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter the code “PSU” under the Find a Blood Drive section. Walk-in donations are also welcome.

Blood can be donated at the following dates and times:

Nov. 7: HUB Heritage Hall, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Nov. 8: Hammond Building (Kunkle Lounge), 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Nov. 11: West Halls (Waring Commons Study Lounges), 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Nov. 12: Hintz Family Alumni Center (Robb Hall), 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Nov. 13: Pasquerilla Spiritual Center (Memorial Lounge), 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Nov. 14: Millennium Science Complex (MRI side), 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Nov. 18, 19, 20, 21: Alumni Hall, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

 

 

Jack McCune is a sophomore majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email jxm1237@psu.edu.