WSU Bleeds Purple for Annual Blood Battle
OGDEN, Utah – Weber State University Student Association Service Team will host the annual American Red Cross Blood Battle Team August 26-30 in the Shepherd Union Ballrooms from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
This event pits WSU against Utah State University in a friendly competition to find out which community can donate more over the five-day blood drive.
The event is open to all, including students, faculty, staff and community members. Donors will receive a free prize, such as a T-shirt or gift card.
To make a donation at the Blood Battle or to 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 significant because it raises awareness about a lifesaving resource and it helps supply hospitals and patients with the blood products they need.
“Weber State is encouraged to join in this friendly competition between Utah State to donate as much blood as possible,” Martinez said. “We look forward to our great campus community showing up and helping make a difference!”
According to the Red Cross, the annual blood drive comes as the agency faces an emergency blood shortage. 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 and platelets just five days, so donations are constantly needed.
“This blood drive is important because of the blood shortage in hospitals,” said Hannah Wadsworth, WSUSA service team American Red Cross Chair. “During the summer, schools are out, and people are on vacation, so there are fewer donations than normal. It is also a fun opportunity to compete with Utah State and show them we really do bleed purple.”
Visit weber.edu/wsutoday for more news about Weber State University.
Shaylee Stevens, Office of Marketing & Communications
801-626-7948 • shayleestevens@weber.edu- Contact:
Teresa Martinez, Center for Community Engaged Learning program coordinator
801-626-7737 • teresamartinez1@weber.edu