MSU, UM fans to compete in blood donation drive

MISSOULA, Mont. — In November, the Montana Red Cross will hold a competition between Montana State University and University of Montana fans to see who can donate the most blood at blood drives across Bozeman and Missoula.

Last year MSU won with 164 units of blood compared to UM’s 100 units. The event helped the Red Cross collect 10,000 additional blood products to meet hospital and patient needs.

All donors will receive a free Red Cross Cats versus Griz t-shirt while supplies. To set up an appointment go to redcross.org and enter the code CATGRIZCHALLENGE if you’re a MSU fan and GRIZCATCHALLENGE if you’re a UM fan.

The American Red Cross released the following information:

The Montana State Bobcats look to defend their title from their University of Montana Griz rivals as the two fan bases compete once again during the Montana Red Cross Blood Battle.

In November, Cat and Griz fans go head-to-head to see who can donate the most lifesaving blood at blood drives across Bozeman and Missoula. Last year, Bobcat nation donated 164 units of lifesaving blood while the Griz gave 100 units.

While competition remains fierce from year-to-year, Red Cross of Montana officials say the real winners of each Blood Battle are the numerous Montana patients who depend on blood product donations every single day, including children battling cancer, accident victims and expecting mothers.

“We look forward to seeing which fan base donates more during the Blood Battle each year,” said Montana Red Cross Executive Director Diane Wright. “No matter the outcome, we’re thrilled to be able to continue our lifesaving mission thanks to the generosity of fans on both sides of the state.”

The annual event comes as blood product donations have fallen around 25 percent nationwide since early August. To ensure the blood supply recovers, the Red Cross must collect 10,000 additional blood products each week over the next month to meet hospital and patient needs. In Montana alone, the Red Cross provides blood products to over 30 hospitals and medical centers.

Bobcat fans are encouraged to donate at these drives:

Nov. 7: 10 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Montana State University Student Union Building, 751 W. Grant St.

Nov. 8: 10 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Montana State University Student Union Building, 751 W. Grant St.

Nov. 9: 10 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Air Force ROTC at the Center for Campus Ministry, 714 S. 8th Ave.

Griz fans will have several opportunities to donate blood in November:

Nov. 6: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., University of Montana The James E. Todd Center, 32 Campus Drive

Nov. 7: 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., University of Montana The James E. Todd Center, 32 Campus Drive

Nov. 9: 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., American Red Cross Donor Center, 2401 N. Reserve St. Ste. 6-7

Nov. 13: 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Southgate Mall, 2901 Brooks St.

Montana State fans can make an appointment by visiting RedCrossBlood.org and entering the sponsor code CATGRIZCHALLENGE or by calling 800-RED-CROSS (800-733-2767). University of Montana fans can make an appointment by using the sponsor code GRIZCATCHALLENGE.

As an added incentive, anyone who donates at one of these drives will receive a free Red Cross Cats vs. Griz T-shirt, while supplies last.

A blood donation takes less than an hour from start to finish and can save more than one life. Donors can save time by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

“We want to thank our long-time donors for their continued support in the face of this supply shortage,” said Thomas Hensley, who helps organize Red Cross blood drives in Bozeman. “And if you’ve never donated before, we encourage you to consider getting involved and help save lives in your community.”

There’s no better time to give, but if you’re not eligible to donate blood, you can still help keep hospital shelves stocked. Please consider volunteering as a blood donor ambassador. These volunteers welcome donors to Red Cross drives, help schedule their next appointment and make sure they have a good experience. To learn more, email [email protected].