Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
EAST LANSING, Mich. (Nov. 24, 2019)— The American Red Cross, Michigan State University and Penn State University are once again teaming up for the 25th annual MSU-PSU Blood Challenge. All eligible MSU students, staff, alumni and fans are encouraged to roll up their sleeves to help save lives during the three-week challenge, which runs Nov. 5 through Nov. 27 at numerous sites on the East Lansing campus.
The friendly competition began in 1994 and has brought in more than 72,500 blood donations. Each university has a set blood collection goal over the three-week challenge and the winner will be the school that reaches or surpasses that goal. The winning school will have bragging rights for the next year. However, the big winners will be the thousands of patients who need lifesaving blood products.
“We are thrilled and honored to once again partner with both universities for this annual competition,” said Tony Gerheiser, recruitment account manager for the Red Cross Great Lakes Blood Services Region. “Everyone who bleeds green and white is encouraged to make an appointment to donate blood at one of the more than 20 blood drives included in the challenge.”
Everyone who comes to donate on the MSU campus during the three-week challenge will receive a free Michigan State-Penn State Blood Challenge T-shirt (while supplies last)
“Michigan State and Penn State are long-time rivals on the gridiron and in the donor room,” added Gerheiser. “The blood donor challenge is a great way to show you bleed green and white AND you’re committed to helping save lives.”
To make an appointment to donate blood during the MSU-PSU Blood Challenge, visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter Sponsor Code: MSU or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. 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. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.