WSU Bleeds Purple to Support Annual Blood Battle
OGDEN, Utah – The Weber State University Student Association Service Team will host the annual American Red Cross Blood Battle Aug. 24-28 in the Shepherd Union Ballrooms from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
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This event pits WSU against Utah State University in a friendly competition to find out which community can donate more during the five-day blood drive.
The event is open to all, including students, faculty, staff and community members. Donors will receive a Blood Battle T-shirt while supplies last and a $5 e-gift card to Amazon. All successful donations will also be screened for COVID-19 antibodies during the post-donation process.
As a COVID-19 safety precaution, participants are required to schedule an appointment to donate. To reserve a spot or learn more, download the American Red Cross Blood Donor app, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Donors can support Weber State by using the sponsor code: BleedPurple.
Teresa Martinez, Center for Community Engaged Learning program coordinator, said the Blood Battle is a significant event because it raises awareness about a lifesaving resource and it helps supply hospitals and patients with the blood products they need.
“Blood drives like these are arguably more crucial than ever before because of the ongoing pandemic,” Martinez said. “We understand why people might be wary to leave their homes to donate blood, so we are taking every precaution we can to ensure safety for every donor. We hope our Weber State community will join this friendly competition to donate as much blood as possible and make a difference. Plus, who wouldn't want to beat Utah State while helping the community?”
According to the Red Cross, right now, blood products are being distributed to hospitals faster than donations are coming in. Blood donors help avoid delays in lifesaving medical care for patients.
Blood is an essential resource used for cancer treatments, surgeries and other serious medical issues. Red blood cells have a shelf life of only 42 days, so donations are constantly needed.
“Many fellow students I have talked with have wanted to do something for our community to help during these difficult times but have been at a loss as to how,” said Kylee Strate, WSUSA service team American Red Cross Chair. “The Blood Battle is the answer to that. While the last few months have been full of cancellations, this WSU tradition is still happening. Our success depends on the participation of our Wildcats. We bleed purple and we can make a difference.”
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