Civil War Blood Drive back for 13th year

For the 13th straight year, Oregon State University and the University of Oregon alumni associations – in conjunction with the American Red Cross and Lane Blood Center – are sponsoring the Civil War Blood Drive.

The three-week blood drive campaign is designed to unite students, faculty, alumni and fans with a shared goal to help save lives by giving blood.

The Civil War Blood Drive runs from Nov. 1 through Nov. 23 and comprises hundreds of blood drives throughout Oregon. All presenting blood and platelet donors at participating Red Cross and Lane Blood Center blood drives will have an opportunity to enter a drawing for a pair of tickets to the Civil War game at Reser Stadium in Corvallis on Nov. 29.*

All presenting donors can also cast their vote for either Oregon State University or the University of Oregon. The university with the most votes at the conclusion of the blood drive will win the coveted Civil War Blood Drive trophy.

During its 12-year history, the Civil War Blood Drive has brought in more than 84,600 blood and platelet donors, and the universities are deadlocked at six victories apiece. Daily vote updates can be found at the event website.

This year’s slate of participating blood drives includes special, multi-day drives at Oregon State University and the University of Oregon. These drives alone are projected to collect more than 1,500 pints of blood.

Oregon State University Blood Drives

Nov. 10 to Nov. 14 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Memorial Union Ballroom

University of Oregon Blood Drives

Nov. 17 to Nov. 21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at [TBD]

The holidays can be a challenging time of year to collect blood and this friendly competition helps to ensure blood products are available for patients in need throughout the year. No matter what team they support, blood donors can help spread hope this holiday season by giving something that really means something – the gift of life.

To schedule an appointment to donate blood and participate in this annual event, contact the Red Cross at 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or Lane Blood Center at (541) 484-9111 or search for blood drives at www.civilwarblooddrive.com.

How to donate blood

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org 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 (16 with parental consent in some states), 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.

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 visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

About Lane Blood Center

Lane Blood Center, previously Lane Memorial Blood Bank, is a nonprofit community organization that offers a safe, easy, ongoing way for healthy Lane County citizens of any income level to share a part of themselves—at our center, school, work, church or a community event—and help save lives locally and around the world. Your donation is a priceless gift for which there is no substitute. In fact, every pint can save up to three lives. That is something you can definitely feel good about and for which you are greatly appreciated. (We have the stories to prove it.) To schedule an appointment in Lane County, call (541) 484-9111 or visit www.laneblood.org.

About UO Alumni Association

The mission of the University of Oregon Alumni Association is to foster lifelong connections with alumni and friends of the University of Oregon. The UOAA was founded in 1879 and originally served five alumni. Today, the Association serves more than 155,000 alumni, including more than 18,000 members, creating opportunities to participate in the life and vitality of the UO community.

The Association also funds scholarships for incoming students and sponsors one of the largest endowed Presidential Scholarships on campus. The UOAA assists the university’s legislative advocacy efforts through the Alumni Advocates, a group of alumni and friends committed to lobbying state legislators on behalf of the higher education and the University of Oregon. Visit the UOAA at the new Ford Alumni Center, next to the Matthew Knight Arena. To find out more about how you can get involved, go to uoalumni.com.

About OSU Alumni Association

The Oregon State University Alumni Association is a member-based, nonprofit organization that promotes OSU and engages alumni. Its programs include a web site for alumni, the Oregon Stater magazine, scholarships, regional activities, faculty lecture series, travel opportunities, tailgate parties and more. It is located in the CH2M HILL Alumni Center, which also serves as a conference center. To learn more, please visit OSUAA at www.osualum.com.

* One winner will be selected. Winner will receive two tickets to the 2014 Civil War game. Tickets are non-transferable and not redeemable for cash.