AUBURN, Ala. (EETV) - Auburn University and the University of Alabama will compete this month to collect the most pints of blood for the American Red Cross.
The event will be sponsored by Alpha Epsilon Delta, the Health Preprofessional Honor Society, as both schools work towards their goals on a lifesaving mission.
“We are excited to be able to use the football rivalry between Auburn University and the University of Alabama to benefit these blood drives,” said Robert Powers, service programs advisor for the Office of Student Involvement, Auburn University. “Through this friendly competition we will be able to help save lives and that is the ultimate goal.”
The blood drive will be held at Auburn University on Nov. 12-14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Student Center. All blood types are needed and donors are encouraged to make an appointment.
A negative and B negative donors are encouraged to make a Power Red donation where they give a concentrated dose of red blood cells during a single donation. During this type of donation red blood cells are separated from other blood components, and the plasma and platelets are safely and comfortably returned to the donor. Donors receive a t-shirt and pizza and will have the chance to win gift cards and raffle prizes, while supplies last.
Auburn encourages students to participate and make an impact as every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. Blood is needed for countless medical providers caring for accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease.
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org sponsor code for Alabama blood drives: beatauburn; sponsor code for Auburn blood drives: beatbama or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements. Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive.
