Weber State University is hosting its 23rd annual American Red Cross Blood Battle on its Ogden campus. The event is a competition between Weber State and Utah State University to see which school can supply the most blood.
The Shepherd Union Ballroom is the location for donations. According to a notice from the university, donations are accepted from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. through Sept. 16 and from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sept. 17. While walk-ins are welcome, donors are encouraged to schedule appointments using the code BLEEDPURPLE on the American Red Cross website to avoid waiting.
All students, staff, faculty, and community members are invited to participate in the effort to reach a goal of 222 units. Donors may receive a commemorative T-shirt while supplies last. Individuals not near the Ogden campus can contribute via the Wildcats Save Lives Bloodlink at a nearby donation center, with those donations counting toward the Weber State total if completed between Sept. 14 and Sept. 17.
Sam Wright, president of the WSU American Red Cross Club, noted that while the competition is against Utah State University, the ultimate winners are the individuals who receive the blood units. Wright, who has Von Willebrand disease and has received multiple blood transfusions, stated that these donations mean more to recipients than most people realize.
The annual Blood Battle is one of several ways the Center for Community Engaged Learning invites Wildcats to get involved. This year also marks the 20th anniversary of the Center for Community Engaged Learning, which provides year-round opportunities for civic engagement, education, and service.
