October to November
Blood Battle
Michigan's annual blood donation competition against Ohio State, run in partnership with the American Red Cross.
The University of Michigan, in partnership with the American Red Cross, begins the 43rd annual Blood Battle against Ohio State University on Oct. 19. The competition brings in blood donations across both campuses to keep hospital shelves stocked with lifesaving blood products ahead of the holidays, one of the most challenging times of year to collect blood.
Michigan fans can donate at any Red Cross donation site across campus. Wolverines for Life, U-M's on-campus donation organization, coordinates the effort, and every donation counts toward Michigan's total pints. Locations and appointments are available through the Red Cross Blood Battle website.
Roughly 29,000 units of red blood cells are needed daily in the United States, and U-M Health alone needs 80 to 90 units a day to support transplants, trauma care, and cancer treatment. Every donation matters.
The last day to donate is Nov. 25, and the winning school is presented with the trophy during the Michigan vs. Ohio State football game on Nov. 28. Ohio State has won the last three trophies, so we need every Wolverine we can get.
Oct. 19
Blood Battle begins on both campuses.
Nov. 1
Be a Hero at the Big House, our largest drive of the year.
Nov. 25
Last day to donate toward the battle.
Nov. 28
Trophy presented at the Michigan vs. Ohio State game.
Be a Hero at the Big House
The largest drive of the Blood Battle is Nov. 1 at Michigan Stadium. Donate in the Jack Roth Stadium Club, take a stadium tour, and win door prizes.
More about Be a HeroBig Ten "We Give Blood" Challenge
Michigan students, alumni, and fans can log blood donations made anywhere in the United States through Dec. 5, including Blood Battle donations, to count for the Wolverines in the Big Ten's We Give Blood competition and help bring home $1 million for campus or community health. Text "DONATE" to 222688 or visit BigTen.org/Abbott.