Organizers plea: Donate for U-M/OSU blood rivalry

Faculty, staff and students can help extend the celebrated rivalry between U-M and Ohio State, not just on the football field but also in donating blood during the 26th annual Blood Battle Nov. 5 (today) -16.

Volunteer donors are needed for the Blood Battle Nov. 5-16. A student organization also is sponsoring an organ donor registration drive pitting Wolverines against Buckeyes. (Photo by File Photo / U-M Photo Services)

In the same rivalry spirit, the University's Students for Organ Donation (SOD) chapter has teamed up with Gift of Life Michigan to beat the Ohio State Buckeyes through signed organ donor registrations.

Organizers ask those who never have given blood to consider making a donation, and remind loyal donors that now would be a great time to give the gift of life once again. They also urge donors to eat iron-rich foods and drink lots of water before donating.

This year's U-M Blood Battle Chairs are Brian Talpos, Caitie Hill, Jessica Schneider and Michael Diamond. U-M administrators overseeing the event are E. Royster Harper, vice president for student affairs, and Dr. Robert Kelch, executive vice president for medical affairs.

In 2006, the first year an interstate organ donor drive competition was added to the fall schedule, the Buckeyes claimed the trophy on their home turf with more than 3,000 registrations. This year, SOD hopes to see the trophy make its way back to the Big House Nov. 17.

"The Challenge for Life is a great opportunity to compete against a rival school and help save lives in the process," says Christy Hammond, a U-M student and member of the SOD chapter. "In 2006, I had a tissue transplant and it drastically improved my quality of life. It is upsetting to see people dying daily because they could not receive a life-saving transplant in time. I encourage students, alumni, staff and fans to help U-M give the gift of life and beat OSU."

For information on how to participate in the organ drive, go to www.showusyourheart.com.

To take part in the Blood Battle, go to the Red Cross link on the Blood Battle Web page, www.givelife.org, and enter the sponsor code "goblue."

Dates, times and locations to give blood are listed below. Questions and comments can be directed to apo.bb06@umich.edu.

26th annual U-M vs. Ohio State Blood Battle: Nov. 5-16

Nov. 5: noon-8 p.m. Michigan Union, Pendleton
2-8 p.m. Stockwell Blue Room
3-9 p.m. Bursley Hall East Lounge
Nov. 6: noon-8 p.m. Michigan Union, Pendleton
2-8 p.m. Couzens Living Room
11 a.m.-5 p.m. Chrysler Center Lobby
Nov. 7: noon-8 p.m. Michigan Union, Kuenzel
2-8 p.m. Alice Lloyd, Barner Lounge
Nov. 8: noon-8 p.m. Michigan Union, Pendleton
Nov. 8: 2-8 p.m. West Quad Lounge
Nov. 9: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. School of Nursing, Room 1240
noon-8 p.m. Michigan Union, Pendleton
Nov. 9: 2-8 p.m. East Hall Atrium
Nov. 11: 9 a.m.-9 p.m. St. Mary's Student Parish
Nov. 12: noon-8 p.m. Michigan Union, Ballroom
8 a.m.-2 p.m. U-M East Medical Center
Nov. 13: noon-8 p.m. Michigan Union, Ballroom
noon-8 p.m. South Quad, Afro-American Lounge
Nov. 14: 2-8 p.m. Michigan League, Ballroom
noon-6 p.m. Pierpont Commons
noon-8 p.m. Michigan Union, Ballroom
Nov. 15: noon-8 p.m. Michigan Union, Ballroom
noon-8 p.m. Mary Markley South Lounge
Nov. 16: noon-8 p.m. Michigan Union, Ballroom
3-9 p.m. East Quad Cafeteria