UNMC and Nebraska Medicine will hold a blood donation drive today (Sept. 23) that will support the Big Ten Conference and Abbott’s “We Give Blood” challenge — a campaign to combat critical blood shortages and encourage more young people to become blood donors.
UNMC blood drives
UNMC drives are operated by the Nebraska Community Blood Bank – the provider of blood for Nebraska Medicine. Appointments are recommended. Donors can schedule an appointment for the drive online using the codes below or call 402-486-9414.
- Sept. 23: Lied Transplant Center on Emile Street | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | Code NMRT
- Oct. 15: Harvest of Hope Blood Drive, sponsored by UNMC Campus Engagement | 4350 Dewey Ave. in front of the Clarkson Tower Caregivers Plaza | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | Code UNCE
- Oct. 30: Center for Healthy Living | 9 a.m.-noon | Code CHL
- Nov. 25: Lied Transplant Center on Emile Street | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | Code NMRT
From Aug. 27 to Dec. 5, students, faculty, staff, alumni and fans across the state — and from other campuses across the University of Nebraska System — are encouraged to donate blood and log their donation to count toward Nebraska’s total. This year, UNMC has joined the team and has a series of blood drives scheduled.
In 2024, more than 20,000 Big Ten donors participated in the competition, helping save an estimated 60,000 lives. Nebraska won the title last year — earning $1 million to advance student and community health.
Blood donations are needed every two seconds in the U.S. They help trauma victims, mothers after childbirth, patients undergoing surgery and those receiving cancer treatment. Despite this constant demand, blood centers are facing dangerously low supply levels — and donations from young adults have declined significantly.
All 18 Big Ten universities are rallying their communities to donate. The school with the most verified donations will receive $1 million to support student or community health initiatives.
Whether donating on campus or at a local blood center, every contribution helps — and all logged donations count toward Nebraska’s total.
Donors can join the challenge in three steps:
- Donate blood anywhere in the U.S. between Aug. 27 and Dec. 5.
- Log your donation (with your name, photo or confirmation email) at this We Give Blood challenge link or by texting DONATE to 222688 (ABBOTT).
- Track progress in real time at the challenge website.