(WWJ) - When the call went out earlier this year for blood donations amid the nation's first national blood crisis, leave it to the University of Michigan and Michigan State University to step up to the plate and make it into a competition.
Only this time -- instead of sports -- the competitive, in-state rivalry is going toward a good cause as blood supply dips dangerously low in Michigan and across the U.S.
What started off as a small, winter competition between the Wolverines and the Spartans, has now opened participation to any school. The Ohio State University, Penn State and Wisconsin have all joined in the 2022 'BIG Heart Blood Battle' and are encouraging other schools to donate.
"We are so excited to compete against Michigan State and Penn State again as well as take on Wisconsin for the first time ever!" a statement on the Blood Battle website said.
"BLEED BLUE."
The American Red Cross announced on on Jan. 11 that there was less than a one day supply of crucial blood types in several areas of the country, causing a dwindling supply of blood to hospitals -- doctors in affected locations have been forced to triage patients and decide who gets blood first and who will need to wait.
Meghan Lehman of Red Cross Michigan called it the worst blood shortage in over a decade and strongly encouraged all who can donate to do so.
"Between blood drives getting cancelled and the pandemic impacting staff, it's essentially a relentless situation," said Lehman.
O type blood is especially in high demand since it's the universal blood type needed for emergency transfusions, but the shortage has affected all blood types.
Organizers for the BIG Heart Blood Battle 2022 said their competition drive will run from Jan. 18 through Feb. 23.
To get started and find a donation center near you that participates in the blood battle, click here to schedule an appointment.
Information about the BIG Heart Blood Battle can be found at bloodbattle.org.
Anyone who wants to donate outside of the Blood Battle is encouraged to make an appointment by phone or click here.
