Rutgers Athletics has announced its participation in the second annual “We Give Blood” drive competition, joining Abbott and the Big Ten Conference to address the national need for blood donations. The event encourages students, alumni, and fans of all 18 Big Ten universities to compete in donating blood from August 27 through December 5.
The school that collects the most blood donations will receive $1 million from Abbott to support student or community health initiatives. The winner will be revealed at the Big Ten Football Championship Game on December 6.
Keli Zinn, Rutgers Athletics Director, said, “Blood donations save lives. We are calling on Rutgers Nation to bring their passion and support to a life-saving mission. We need everyone – our students, faculty, alumni and fans – to come together and deliver a Rutgers win in the We Give Blood Drive on behalf of the thousands of people who need our help.”
Blood can be donated at any U.S. blood center during the campaign period. Participants should log their donation for Rutgers by texting “DONATE” to 222688 (ABBOTT) or visiting https://BigTen.Org/Abbott. Donors who register their contributions may receive a limited edition T-shirt designed by Homefield while supplies last.
Rutgers Athletics is also working with RWJBarnabas Health to host an on-campus Heroes Blood Drive on October 7 at the Rodkin Academic Success Center in Piscataway from noon to 6 p.m. Registration for this event and others is available at https://BigTen.org/Abbott by selecting Rutgers.
Blood shortages remain a critical issue nationwide as demand continues for trauma victims, mothers facing childbirth complications, and cancer patients. While older adults are less likely to donate due to eligibility issues, there has been a decline in young donors over recent years.
Donations made during College Colors Day on August 29 also count toward Rutgers’ total. Progress can be tracked live throughout the campaign at https://BigTen.Org/Abbott.
The competition aims not only to collect blood but also to foster school spirit and encourage first-time donors across campuses.
For more information about incentives or terms and conditions related to participation, visit https://BigTen.org/Abbott.
