Blood challenge rivalry with Central renewed

Jan. 13, 2011

Photo of Red Cross Blood Drop. KALAMAZOO--The annual spring blood challenge between Western Michigan University and Central Michigan University kicks off Tuesday, Jan. 18.

The WMU-CMU American Red Cross Partnership to see which school can help save more lives runs through Friday, Jan. 28, and includes 11 individual blood drives at various campus locations.

Those donating blood during one of the drives could win a semester-long WMU parking pass, an Amazon Kindle, a $25 Meijer Card or a $20 WMU Bookstore gift certificate.

WMU organizers hope to collect a total of 546 pints of blood during this year's challenge. Anyone wishing to donate blood on behalf of the University may do so by attending one of the following drives.

All drives are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 18, College of Health and Human Services Building, goal of 53 pints, sponsored by the WMU chapter of the American Medical Student Association.

Tuesday, Jan. 18, Bernhard Center, goal of 47 pints.

Wednesday, Jan. 19, Bernhard Center, goal of 65 pints, sponsored by the Campus Activities Board and Western Student Association.

Thursday, Jan. 20, Schneider Hall, goal of 47 pints, sponsored by Alpha Kappa Psi.

Thursday, Jan. 20, Bigelow Hall, goal of 45 pints.

Friday, Jan. 21, Eicher/Lefevre halls, goal of 37 pints.

Monday, Jan. 24, Bernhard Center, goal of 54 pints, sponsored by Health Professionals.

Tuesday, Jan. 25, Bernhard Center, goal of 61 pints, sponsored by Young Black Support Network.

Wednesday, Jan. 26, Ernest/Smith Burnham halls, goal of 47 pints.

Thursday, Jan. 27, Miller Auditorium, goal of 55 pints, sponsored by Phi Sigma Pi.

Friday, Jan. 28, Bernhard Center, goal of 35 pints, sponsored by WMU Red Cross Club.

The American Red Cross provides blood and disaster relief to communities across the country, trains millions of people in lifesaving skills, serves as a communication link between U.S. military members and their families, and assists victims of international disasters or conflicts.

Its Great Lakes Region, which serves 65 counties, needs to collect about 700 units of blood a day to meet patient needs in hospitals across the state of Michigan.

People who are at least 17 years old, 110 pounds and in good general health are usually eligible to donate blood. Those seeking detailed eligibility requirements may call (877) 835-5736. Participants in the WMU-CMU blood challenge should bring their Red Cross blood donor card or another form of positive ID to the drives they attend.

To make an appointment to give blood at one of the drives, call (800) 733-2767 or visit redcrossblood.org and click Make a Blood Donation Appointment. To be counted as part of the challenge, enter WMU as the sponsor code, select an individual drive, then set up a personal account if necessary.

For more information about the WMU-CMU challenge, contact C.J. Schmiege, blood donor recruitment representative for the Red Cross's Great Lakes region, at schmiegecj@usa.redcross.org or (269) 870-0015. Information also may be obtained by contacting Drew Mercer, president of the WMU Red Cross Club, at drew.c.mercer@wmich.edu or (269) 625-2063.

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Media contact: Jeanne Baron, (269) 387-8400, jeanne.baron@wmich.edu

WMU News
Office of University Relations
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5433 USA
(269) 387-8400
www.wmich.edu/news