Big Ten schools compete in Red Cross blood drive

Big Ten schools have blood on the mind as the American Red Cross continues the second year of the Big Ten Challenge.

The challenge is a partnership between the Big Ten Network and the Red Cross, and the goal is to collect 8,300 pints of blood in total from schools within the Big Ten. 

The blood drives began Jan. 18 and will continue on all 11 campuses until Feb. 25, according to a press release about the challenge.

“Last year was very successful,” said Katy Maloy, program manager of communications at the American Red Cross. “We were extremely pleased the Big Ten was willing.”

IU’s goal is to collect 652 pints. The blood will be collected at drives on campus during the five-week competition.

As of Monday morning, IU had raised 102 pints of blood from the first three drives.
Maloy said the drives were organized directly with student groups, especially fraternities and sororities.

They also worked with the IU Red Cross Club, she said.

After the challenge ends in February, the Red Cross and the Big Ten will present awards to the winning schools in four categories: most donations, highest proportion of student body participation, highest percent of goal and best overall, according to the release.

“The Big Ten has been outstanding partners,” Maloy said.

Blood donated to the American Red Cross is entered into a nationwide inventory system and distributed where it is most needed in the country.

The donated blood is then used in blood transfusions as well as other surgeries.

This is an important time of the year for blood donation because it’s harder for people to get out of the house and donate, according to the release.

“Winter can be a very unpredictable season with people’s schedules, illness and the weather,” Maloy said.

She said high-profile blood drives, like the Big Ten Challenge, significantly increase the donations the Red Cross receives.