The Abbott and Big Ten Conference “We Give Blood” competition officially opens Wednesday, and Pasadena and Altadena residents who give blood at any U.S. donation center can log it for UCLA, the Big Ten school that has played its home football games at the Rose Bowl since 1982.
The competition arrives a month after the American Red Cross declared a national blood supply crisis, only the second in its history, after donations fell to a four-year summer low. The winning school receives $1 million from Abbott to support student or community health.
Donations made anywhere in the United States between Aug. 12 and Dec. 4 count, Abbott said in announcing the return of the drive, which unites all 18 Big Ten universities. Donors take a photo at the donation site or save an email confirmation, then submit it.
Anyone in the United States over 18 who meets donor eligibility requirements can take part. Donors who log a donation can claim a school-specific T-shirt, one per person, while supplies last.
Abbott, the Big Ten’s health sciences and diagnostics partner, said California blood centers are reporting dangerously low inventories. “The future of America’s blood supply starts on college campuses,” said Robert B. Ford, Abbott’s chairman and chief executive officer.
Need to know: The “We Give Blood” drive opens Wednesday, Aug. 26, and runs through Friday, Dec. 4, with the winning school announced Saturday, Dec. 5, at the Big Ten football championship game in Indianapolis. In Pasadena, Huntington Hospital’s Blood Donor Center at 711 S. Fairmount Ave. is open Monday through Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., and Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 2:15 p.m.; park in the East Parking structure across the street for validated parking. Call (626) 397-5422 or visit huntingtonhealth.org. Log donations at BigTen.org/Abbott or text GIVEBLOOD to 222688.
