Weber State is ‘Out for Blood’ at 18th Annual Blood Battle

OGDEN, Utah – Weber State University will host the 18th Annual American Red Cross Blood Battle Aug. 30 through Sept. 3 in the Dee Events Center on the Ogden campus from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. 

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 winner will be the university with the highest number of donations, but the goal is for each school to collect at least 1,000 units of blood.

“This is such a unique opportunity for us to come together as a community to help those in need,” said Ben Ferney, student body president. “I hope students, faculty and community members will take time to participate to help make a difference. After a year of feeling disconnected, this is a great chance for us to unite behind another cause.” 

The event is open to all, including students, faculty, staff and community members. Donors will receive a Blood Battle T-shirt while supplies last.

As a COVID-19 safety precaution, participants are required to schedule an appointment to donate before arriving at the donation center. To register 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). To register and support Weber State, donors should use the sponsor code: BleedPurple.

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.

High school and college blood drives account for as much as 20% of donations during the school year.

“Hosting blood drives on campus highlights the legacies students can create as blood donors,” said Shana Loomis, American Red Cross of Utah, Blood Services manager. “A campus blood drive brings meaningful leadership and service opportunities to students while helping deliver lifesaving services and blood products to hospital patients in need.”

For photos of last year's event, visit this link.

Visit weber.edu/wsutoday for more news about Weber State University.

Author:

Shaylee Stevens, Office of Marketing & Communications
801-626-7948 •  shayleestevens@weber.edu

Contact:

Allison Barlow Hess, Public Relations director
801-626-7948 • ahess@weber.edu