Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. — Central Michigan University and Western Michigan University are once again teaming up with the American Red Cross to help save lives.
The 2017 CMU-WMU Blood Challenge will be held March 29 from noon to 5:45 p.m. at Bovee University Center, 103 East Preston Street, Mount Pleasant.
For more than 20 years, the two rival schools have competed for bragging rights on which one can collect the most blood. The timing of the event is perfect as it helps the Red Cross maintain a healthy blood supply following the challenging winter months.
“The American Red Cross is encouraging students, staff and alumni to uncover their inner hero and show their Chippewas pride by rolling-up a sleeve and donating blood,” said Lindsey Chesebro, donor recruitment representative for the American Red Cross. “Eligible donors can feel good knowing they may be helping patients not only in their community, but also their family and friends across the nation.”
The Red Cross has a critical need for type O negative blood donors to give now to help save lives. Because it is the universal blood type and can be transfused to patients with any blood type, type O negative blood is what emergency room personnel reach for when there is no time to determine the blood type of patients in the most serious situations.
Both universities are hoping to collect over 200 pints of blood during the battle. Everyone who comes to donate will receive a special T-shirt, while supplies last.
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code: CMU or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) 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 donors can now 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, prior to arriving at the blood drive. To get started and learn more, visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.
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.
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