Big Ten's We Give Blood Drive: Penn State and Rutgers Unite
- The Big Ten Conference is launching a nationwide blood donation competition to combat declining donation rates.
- The initiative involves 18 universities, including Penn State and Rutgers, and offers a $1 million prize for the school with the most donations.
- This campaign aims to create lifelong blood donors while leveraging the competitive spirit of college sports to benefit communities.
The Big Ten Football Conference is initiating a nationwide blood donation competition called "The We Give Blood Drive" to address declining blood donation rates. This campaign involves 18 universities, including Penn State and Rutgers, encouraging students, alumni, and fans to donate blood on behalf of their respective schools. The initiative aims to foster a new generation of blood donors while also providing a competitive edge to the process. Abbott, a major healthcare company, is supporting the campaign with a $1 million prize for the school that collects the most donations, which will be allocated to campus health services. The competition runs through the football season, concluding on December 6, with the winner announced at the Big Ten Championship Game on December 7. Notable figures, including Tom Brady, are endorsing the campaign, emphasizing the importance of blood donation and community support. This effort not only seeks to replenish blood supplies but also aims to instill a sense of responsibility and community service among college students.