Abbott and Big Ten Revive 'We Give Blood' to Tackle National Blood Crisis

Abbott and Big Ten Revive 'We Give Blood' Initiative

In a time of pressing need, Abbott and the Big Ten Conference have announced the revival of the 'We Give Blood' campaign, aiming to combat the ongoing blood supply crisis in the United States. This initiative invites all 18 universities in the Big Ten to engage in a friendly competition to maximize blood donations and save lives. With the American Red Cross declaring a national blood crisis due to a drop in donations to a four-year summer low, this campaign comes at a critical moment.

The 'We Give Blood' competition will officially kick off on August 26, but Abbott and the Big Ten are encouraging individuals to donate blood as soon as possible. Donations made from August 12 to the start of the competition will contribute to each school's total, making every drop count. Interested donors can show support for their favorite Big Ten school by logging their donations online at BigTen.org/Abbott or by texting 'GIVEBLOOD' to 222688 (ABBOTT) to earn a limited-edition T-shirt, available while supplies last.

Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. requires a blood transfusion, whether from accidents, serious illnesses, or childbirth complications. Despite this urgent need, the blood supply remains precariously low. Abbott’s Chief Executive Officer, Robert B. Ford, emphasized the significance of this initiative: "The future of America's blood supply starts on college campuses. When a young person gives blood for the first time and makes it a habit, that’s potentially decades of lifesaving donations."

The necessity for new blood donors is further underscored by changing demographics. Currently, nearly 25% of blood donations come from individuals over 65, many of whom may no longer be able or willing to donate in the future. With only about 3% of the American population eligible to donate blood actually participating, there is an urgent call to engage new, younger donors. The Big Ten community alone consists of a staggering 40 million people who could be encouraged to donate.

In its first two years, the 'We Give Blood' campaign demonstrated remarkable success. Reports showed a significant increase in blood supplies, with some centers experiencing up to an 88% increase in donations compared to prior periods. The competition has facilitated over 100,000 donations, saving an estimated 300,000 lives. An impressive 96% of student donors stated they would give blood again after their first experience, indicating a positive trend toward building a sustainable donor base for the future.

This initiative also turns school pride into meaningful action. The Big Ten schools compete for a $1 million prize awarded to the university that garners the most donations. Previous winners have utilized their prizes to support various health-related initiatives, such as mental health programs for veterans and community health initiatives.

Tony Petitti, commissioner of the Big Ten Conference, remarked, "Big Ten fans show up for their teams in the stands, and now they're showing up for their communities and people who need blood as well."

The current competition season will also see social media influencers from the UK, Josh and Jase, visiting each Big Ten campus to spotlight the unique aspects of every university, further fostering engagement within the communities.

As the need for blood donation remains a constant concern, the 'We Give Blood' campaign not only seeks immediate contributions but also aims to instill a sense of lifelong commitment to blood donation among younger generations. The winner of this year’s competition will be revealed during the 2026 Discover® Big Ten Football Championship Game on December 5 in Indianapolis. A live leaderboard will provide updates on donations in real time, showcasing the collective effort to address this critically important public health issue.

By uniting the Big Ten universities, the 'We Give Blood' initiative seeks to make a lasting impact on the health and well-being of communities across the nation. With the call to action echoing through campuses and communities alike, now is the time to step up and make a difference in the lives of those who depend on blood donations.