U of O wins Red Cross Civil War Blood Drive
The University of Oregon is the winner of the 2015 Civil War Blood Drive over Oregon State University with a score of 3,151 to 2,377.
The UO Ducks crossed the goal line with a substantial lead of 774 votes. The 14th Annual Civil War Blood Drive welcomed 5,528 fans over the three-week campaign. More information can be found on the event website.
“The American Red Cross would like to thank all the donors, volunteers and blood drive sponsors who participated in this year’s Civil War Blood Drive,” said Daphne Mathew, communications manager for the Pacific Northwest Blood Services Region.
“And a special thank you goes out to the Oregon State University and University of Oregon alumni associations for their continued support of this lifesaving event. As the primary sponsors of this blood drive, much of the credit for its success goes to them.”
Salem resident Susanne Blazier, who donated blood on Nov. 5, was the winner of two tickets to Friday’s Civil War game. The Civil War Blood Drive trophy will be presented to the University of Oregon Alumni Association later this week
The Civil War Blood Drive is an annual event held during the first three weeks of November. It is designed to unite students, faculty, alumni and fans with a shared goal to help save lives by giving blood. This year’s campaign, which ran from Nov. 1 through Nov. 22, was comprised of hundreds of blood drives throughout Oregon – including special weeklong blood drives held on each university’s campus.
In the past 14 years, nearly 98,000 blood and platelet donors have participated in the Civil War Blood Drive. The competition has remained tight over the years, and the teams are now tied with seven wins each.
The Civil War Blood Drive helps support the community blood supply at a time when donations tend to decline.
During the winter months and especially around the holidays, blood donations tend to decrease. Long holiday weekends, like Thanksgiving, pose an extra challenge when many donors are traveling to be with family and friends. The Red Cross encourages people to make an appointment to donate blood or platelets and give a meaningful gift to a patient this holiday season – the gift of life.”
Donors of all blood types, particularly O negative, A negative and B negative, and platelet donors are urged to schedule an appointment to give blood or platelets this winter.
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.
