WMU, CMU compete in blood drive challenge

Oct. 12, 2009

KALAMAZOO--This month, Western Michigan University will compete with Central Michigan University to see which school can collect the most blood for local people in need and the American Red Cross.

The two-week-long WMU/CMU American Red Cross Blood Challenge began today and runs through Friday, Oct. 23. The 2009 goal for this annual competition is for the two schools to collect a combined total of 800 pints of blood.

The 2009 challenge will include 10 individual blood drives held around the WMU campus and one off-campus site. Donors may make appointments to give blood at any of the individual drives. To make an appointment, go to givelife.org and select a drive, then set up a personal account and type in WMU when asked to enter a code.

2009 Blood Drives

• Monday, Oct. 12, 11 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., Bernhard Center
• Tuesday, Oct. 13, 11 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., Miller Auditorium
• Wednesday, Oct. 14, 11 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., Burnham Hall
• Thursday, Oct. 15, 11 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., Schneider Hall
• Friday, Oct. 16, 11 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., Henry Hall
• Monday, Oct. 19, 11 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., St. Thomas More Catholic Student Parish, 421 Monroe St., Kalamazoo
• Tuesday, Oct. 20, 11 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., College of Health and Human Services Building
• Wednesday, Oct. 21, 11 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., Bernhard Center
• Thursday, Oct. 22, 11 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., Student Recreation Center
• Friday, Oct. 23, 11 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., Garneau-Harvey Hall

Those who donate blood during this year's competition will be entered in a drawing to win prizes, which include a 32-inch LCD TV, a board that is similar to a skateboard, and gift certificates from establishments such as Martini's Pizza, Rave Motion Pictures, the WMU Bookstore and WMU's Student Recreation Center. Winners for these prizes will be drawn and notified Oct. 26.

Just 5 percent of the eligible U.S. population donates blood in any given year. Yet someone in the United States needs blood every two seconds, and it only takes 10 minutes to actually donate blood and an hour to finish the entire donation process.

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.

For more information about the WMU/CMU challenge, contact C.J. Schmiege, blood donor recruitment representative for the Red Cross's Great Lakes Blood Services Region, at schmiegecj@usa.redcross.org or (269) 870-0015. Learn more about American Red Cross of Greater Kalamazoo online.