SHERIDAN, WYOMING – November 07, 2024 – In an effort to combat the largest blood shortage in a generation, Abbott and the Big Ten Conference have joined forces to launch "The We Give Blood Drive," a conference-wide competition aimed at increasing blood donations. This initiative taps into the competitive spirit of Big Ten universities and their fans, encouraging them to give back to their communities while vying for a $1 million prize and a trip to the 2024 Discover Big Ten Football Championship Game.
The competition, which kicked off on September 26th, has already seen tremendous support, with over 8,000 Big Ten fans, students, and alumni donating blood.
"We knew as a leader in diagnostics and testing we had to do something powerful to draw in donors," said Abbott Chairman and CEO Robert Ford. "What better way to inspire people to donate than tapping into rivalries between Big Ten schools and offering up a friendly competition.”
The premise is simple: each of the 18 Big Ten universities competes to see who can garner the most blood donations. Anyone over the age of 18 can participate by visiting [bigten.org/abbott](https://bigten.org/abbott) to find a local blood drive or schedule their own donation.
"Blood donation 'is a cause that truly matters for so many reasons. The one that struck me was that every donation can save up to three lives,' " said seven-time Super Bowl champion and Michigan alumnus Tom Brady, who serves as an ambassador for the campaign.
Brady, who joined Abbott and Big Ten officials at the campaign's kickoff event, emphasized the importance of community involvement. "There’s so many amazing people who give back to the community because we have the opportunity to do that,” he said. “And my parents instilled in me that we should pay it forward.”
The need for blood donations is critical. "In America, someone needs blood every two seconds," stressed an Abbott spokesperson. "But right now, we are facing the largest blood shortage in a generation. Can we answer this challenge with the largest blood donation competition of our lifetime? We need you to help us do it!"
Throughout the campaign, Abbott has employed a variety of strategies to keep participants engaged and informed. Their blog, "We Give Blood," provides regular updates on the competition, including leaderboard standings and inspiring stories from donors. They have also hosted numerous blood drives on Big Ten campuses and surrounding communities, making it convenient for students, faculty, and residents to participate.
One such event took place at the University of Oregon in conjunction with a highly anticipated football game against Ohio State. "Ducks vs. Bucks — 'O' my! If this week doesn’t get your blood pumping, we don’t know what will," the blog proclaimed, urging fans to contribute to the cause.
With a month still remaining in the competition, the race is far from over. Abbott and the Big Ten Conference continue to encourage everyone to participate in "The We Give Blood Drive." Whether you're a die-hard football fan, a concerned citizen, or simply looking for a way to make a difference, donating blood is a simple yet powerful act that can save lives.
"You have so many opportunities to donate in the coming weeks (check out our list of campus blood drives for more), it's scary," the blog playfully reminds readers. "If you’ve already given, don’t forget to submit your donation for your school. That would be frightful!"
The winning university will be announced during the 2024 Discover Big Ten Football Championship Game on December 7th in Indianapolis. But ultimately, the real winners are the countless individuals whose lives will be saved thanks to the generosity of those who participate in "The We Give Blood Drive."