By Jake Fogal
NORMAL – Bragging rights are on the line as the “Challenge on 74 Blood Battle” pits Illinois State and Bradley University in a contest to see who can donate the most blood.
The annual blood drive between the two rival schools is hosted at Hewitt and Manchester residence halls at ISU on Wednesday and Thursday.
American Red Cross Regional Communications Manager Brian Williamson says the benefits here are many. He spoke on Afternoon Show with WJBC’s Blake Haas.
“The students who win, of course you get the bragging rights, which if you are apart of that rivalry you know that’s a big thing. The real winners here are the folks who are receiving blood. When you come out whether this Wednesday or Thursday, you are potentially helping to save lives when you roll up your sleeve and give blood,” Williamson said.
All participating donors will receive a free t-shirt and the blood drive is open from 11 a.m. through 5 p.m. on both Wednesday and Thursday.
The process is relatively easy according to Williamson.
“You are greeted by our blood donor ambassador, they get you in and sit down and our phlebotomists technicians will talk with you and get your medical history, that’s a brief conversation.”
“The part where your actually giving blood is so short, it’s only a couple of minutes really that your there actually doing the donation. From there it’s snack time and your off back to your day. It’s an easy thing, it’s a painless thing, and really your doing something so much bigger than yourself,” Williamson said.
Appointments are needed for the drive, and can be made by going to redcrossblood.org.
Jake Fogal can be reached at [email protected].
