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WVU, Penn State blood drive challenge to aid American Red Cross

Penn State Blood Drive Challenge

Join the Mountaineer team to beat Penn State — and save lives.

This football season, the competition between the Nittany Lions and the Mountaineers will extend beyond the field. The West Virginia University Staff Council has challenged the Penn State University Staff Advisory Council to a blood drive competition prior to the home opener at Milan Puskar Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 31.

WVU students, faculty and staff are encouraged to participate in the blood drive from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 30, in the Mountainlair Ballrooms. The winner of the blood drive competition (whichever donates the most units) will be announced during the WVU vs. PSU football game.

“This challenge, organized by the WVU Staff Council and the Penn State University Staff Advisory Council, is a great opportunity to combine support for the American Red Cross with a little healthy competition,” WVU Staff Council Chair Shirley Robinson said. “We are proud to support this blood drive, and we encourage staff, faculty and our students to come out to donate on Aug. 30.”

The American Red Cross is facing an emergency blood shortage as its national blood supply has dropped 25% since July 1. All blood types are urgently needed. 

“Blood donations are used for patients in need of surgery, cancer treatment and transfusions for blood loss from traumatic injuries,” ARC District Manager Ben Wilson said. “One donation can help save more than one life.”

Go to go.wvu.edu/StaffDrive to sign up, or download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information.

Watch a video promoting the blood drive challenge.

Help WVU beat Penn State.