Blood Battle Between Utah State and Weber State Returns to Campus

Utah State University is out for blood... blood donations that is. The Val R. Christensen Service Center, in partnership with the American Red Cross, will host the annual Blood Battle, a blood drive competition between USU and Weber State University. With blood donations and supply at severe lows, USU is looking to help relieve the blood supply shortage in the country.

Students, faculty, staff, and community members are invited to the Taggart Student Center Lounges from Aug. 30 through Sept. 3 to donate blood and help USU reach its goal of 1,000 life-saving donations, which has the potential to save upwards of 3,000 lives. This is the 18th annual Blood Battle blood drive between the two schools, which began in 2004. USU has won the last two competitions.

• Where: Taggart Student Center Lounges (second floor)
  • Community members who park in the Big Blue or Aggie Terraces will be given a free parking voucher
• When: Aug. 30 – Sept. 3, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.
• Who: All blood types are welcome and needed

“The Service Center has hosted American Red Cross blood drives at USU since the center opened over 50 years ago,” said Nelda Ault-Dyslin, community service coordinator. “The Blood Battle has always been an exciting kickoff to the school year, because it’s our chance to show our community and region that Aggies are willing to give of themselves.”

Appointments are strongly recommended for donors and can be made on the American Red Cross website, www.RedCrossBlood.org. Eligible donors would then type zip code 84322 or use the sponsor code BLEEDBLUE in the search box to make an appointment. Because of the nationwide pandemic and CDC guidelines, the schedule times have been extended to accommodate more donors safely. Donation times are available from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. All donors will receive a limited-edition Blood Battle T-shirt.

Blood donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at www.RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

Volunteers are also needed for the event. For more information and to sign up to volunteer, visit www.usu.edu/servicecenter/storyfeed/2021_blood_battle.

All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

For more information on what you need to do before a blood donation and to register for the event, visit www.RedCrossBlood.org.