Abbott and Big Ten Conference Collect Blood Donations to Support Health and Education

Mobilizing for Life: The Big Ten Blood Donation Challenge

As summer winds down and college football season kicks off, Abbott and the Big Ten Conference are uniting students, alumni, and fans across the nation in a unique competition aimed at saving lives. The 'We Give Blood' drive has commenced once again, challenging all 18 universities in the Big Ten to rally their communities for blood donations from August 27 to December 5, 2025. This initiative, now in its second year, not only emphasizes the pressing need for blood donations across the U.S., but also fuels a spirited rivalry among schools that could win as much as $1 million for their health programs.

A Growing Need for Blood Donations

The American healthcare system is currently grappling with significant blood shortages, with some centers reporting supplies that can barely last a single day. Blood is vital every two seconds, whether for accident victims, new mothers facing complications, or patients undergoing cancer treatments. A troubling trend has emerged in recent years: a decline in the number of young people willing to donate blood. Understanding this, Abbott aims to spark a new generation of donors while reinforcing the significance of community involvement.

This season's competition seeks to encourage first-time donors and foster a commitment to regular contributions that will sustain the nation’s blood supply. "This campaign is a direct investment in the long-term sustainability of our nation's blood supply," said Robert Ford, Abbott's CEO. His words underscore the critical role that younger donors will play in ensuring that blood remains available when needed.

Competing for a Cause

The competition kicks off with 'We Give Blood Day' on August 27, where participants can receive exclusive, limited-edition T-shirts designed for each Big Ten school. Beyond the shirts, all donations logged will help accumulate points for their respective schools on a live leaderboard, ultimately determining the winner who will be announced during the Big Ten Championship on December 6.

Students, alumni, and fans can easily participate; by donating at any licensed blood center or drive throughout the competition, they can log their contributions by texting "DONATE" to 222688 or visiting BigTen.Org/Abbott. The competition creates opportunities for many college students to donate blood for the first time, reinforcing the importance of their involvement.

Community Impact

Last year, the initiative saw Nebraska-Lincoln emerge victorious, logging nearly 4,000 donors and saving up to 12,000 lives. With the prize money, the university is now directing funds to health-focused research and wellness initiatives, demonstrating the tangible benefits that come from participating in the drive. The importance of this challenge extends beyond trophies and recognition; it lays the groundwork for fostering a culture of giving within college communities.

Competitive Spirit and Community Heart

The Big Ten Conference Commissioner, Tony Petitti, voiced his anticipation for the upcoming challenge, saying, "Big Ten fans are competitive and compassionate. We are confident they will embrace this challenge not only in the months ahead, but for years to come." As the football season progresses, Abbott and the Big Ten will also introduce a series of mini-competitions dubbed the 'Weekly One-Up Challenges,' aiming to pit schools against one another each week to boost their donation totals even further.

This multifaceted approach seeks to tap into the excitement of college football and the competitive spirit that accompanies it. With each school vying for the title of best blood donor, the initiative not only improves critical blood supplies but also invigorates the community spirit and camaraderie among students and fans alike.

The Road Ahead

As we look towards the future, the 'We Give Blood' drive stands as a beacon of hope. Beyond the immediate goal of gathering blood donations, it inspires a legacy of philanthropy among young adults and sets a precedent for their involvement in community health. This initiative invites everyone to experience the rewarding journey of being a blood donor while highlighting how a single act can lead to substantial impact.

Without a doubt, Abbott's ambitious partnership with the Big Ten Conference illuminates the path forward in more ways than one. Not only does it address a critical public health need, but it also instills a sense of responsibility and care among the next generation. As students don their university colors and cheer on their teams this season, they will also be reminded of the powerful difference they can make by giving blood.

In conclusion, let's rally around our schools and seize the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of countless individuals. Donating blood can save lives, and every drop counts. Whether you’re a current student, alum, or a dedicated fan, now is the time to step up and participate in this life-saving initiative.