On the heels of the American Red Cross declaring a national blood crisis and with California’s blood supply at critical levels – and Type O blood especially scarce – UCLA and USC are calling on Southern Californians/all Bruins/all Trojans to turn school pride into lifesaving action through the return of Abbott and the Big Ten’s “We Give Blood” competition.
Righ now, there is critical need: California blood centers are reporting dangerously low blood inventories. It’s an essential part of catastrophe preparedness – blood must be collected before emergencies occur. Recent Los Angeles-area wildfires disrupted blood drives and reduced donations when they were needed most.
It’s a community competition: Fans and alumni from all 18 Big Ten schools across Southern California can donate on behalf of their favorite school, and support their ‘team’ in the competition. UCLA and USC donors have contributed 4,300+ donations over the past two years, helping save an estimated 13,000+ lives.
Making a difference is easy: One blood donation can save up to three lives. Donations can be made at any blood center, including the American Red Cross, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, UCLA Health, Vitalant and others.
The Big Ten school with the most donations wins a $1 million Abbott grant to support student or community health initiatives.
How to participate?
Donate blood at any blood drive or blood center in the U.S. between Aug. 12 and Dec. 4.
2. Take a photo at the blood drive or screenshot an email confirmation of the donation.
3. Submit it at BigTen.org/Abbott or by texting GIVEBLOOD to 222688 (ABBOTT) starting Aug. 26.
Katrina Pincon/Abbott
