CMU, WMU to donate blood for American Red Cross
Students, faculty and staff from two rival universities are encouraged to team up next week to donate blood to help the American Red Cross.
Central Michigan University and Western Michigan University will participate in the 2017 CMU-WMU Blood Challenge. CMU's blood drive will take place from noon to 5:45 p.m. on Wednesday, March 29 in the Bovee University Center.
“The American Red Cross is encouraging students, staff and alumni to uncover their inner hero and show their Chippewa pride by rolling-up a sleeve and donating blood,” said Lindsey Chesebro, donor recruitment representative for the American Red Cross.
To donate blood, students must either download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code: “CMU” or call 1-800-RED-CROSS before particpating. Two forms of identification are required at check-in.
A press release from the American Red Cross states those who are at least 110 pounds and in good health are eligible to donate. High school students and other donors ages 18 and younger must meet certain height and weight requirements. Blood donors will receive a free T-shirt while supplies lasts.
The Red Cross critically needs type O Negative blood as it is a universal blood type, the release states. In emergency rooms, during instances where there is limited time to determine someone's blood type, medical professionals use type O Negative blood.
CMU and WMU have faced off in the annual blood drive competition for more than 20 years, the release states. The two schools are hoping to collect 200 pints of blood during the event. Chesebro said CMU is projected to collect 100 pints, but has a goal of 150.
East Jordan senior Ellen Brandell, community relations vice president of the CMU Collegiate Panhellenic Council, said snacks will be provided after donations. The school that collects the most pints of blood wins, she said.
"Even though we are rivals, we are both coming together for a good cause — even though (it's good to) beat (WMU) obviously," Brandell said.
