Two Alabama HBCUs compete in American Red Cross blood drive

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Two Alabama universities are on a lifesaving mission with the American Red Cross. Each school will compete on who can get the most blood donations for hospital patients in need. The battle for bragging rights will be against Alabama State University and Alabama A&M.  

During the competition donors will receive one Magic City Classic football game ticket, food, and a special Red Cross t-shirt while supplies last. “Blood drives are essential in helping ensure blood is available for patients throughout the year and we cannot thank these HBCUs enough for hosting blood drives,” said Shatina Nwosu, account manager, Red Cross Alabama and Mississippi. “This friendly competition is a great way for students, facility, staff and fans to show school pride and help make a great impact.”

 Help save lives at one of the following blood drives:

 Alabama A&M University:

October 23 & 24, 2023

11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

4900 Meridian Street N, Huntsville, AL 35811

Alabama State University (ASU):

October 24 & 25, 2023

11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

915 Jackson Street, Montgomery, AL 36104

Blood is perishable, and the only source of lifesaving blood for patients is volunteer blood donors. Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. It is also needed for accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease. The Red Cross continues to experience a national blood shortage. Donors of all blood types are urgently needed, especially type O blood donors. 

For more information and to make an appointment to donate you can visit the American Red Cross Blood website.  Donors who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states) and weigh at least 110 pounds may be eligible to donate blood. Blood donors can now save time at their next donation by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, prior to arriving at the blood drive. 

RELATED: Davis throws 2 TD passes to Johnson to help Alabama State beat Southern 14-10

RELATED: Alabama A&M participates in SWAC Basketball Media Days