UNMC is gearing up to support the University of Nebraska Central in the Big Ten Conference and Abbott’s “We Give Blood” challenge. With Nebraska currently trailing Wisconsin by approximately 700 donations on the leaderboard, it’s time to rally.
Faculty, students, staff and Nebraska Medicine colleagues who donate blood at upcoming campus drives will not only help save lives but also earn a chance to win prizes.
Why Participate
- Every donation supports patients in critical need and helps address the urgent national blood shortage.
- Your gift helps Nebraska stay competitive in the Big Ten challenge. NU won the inaugural drive last year, securing $1 million to support student and community health initiatives. Another $1 million prize is on the line this year.
- Donations already logged since Aug. 27 (anywhere in the U.S.) count toward NU’s totals with proof of donation and Nebraska selected as your affiliation.
How to Enter the UNMC Drawing
Big Grove Brewery – UNMC’s new EDGE District partner in this effort – is offering:
- Six $25 gift cards and a grand-prize $150 gift card
- Omaha-branded Big Grove merchandise
To qualify:
- Register for one of the upcoming UNMC campus blood drives.
- Donate on the day of the event and log your donation on the challenge website or text DONATE to 222688 (ABBOTT).
- Share your donation: Post a photo/video on Instagram, Facebook, X, BlueSky or LinkedIn tagged to UNMC. (Private accounts can DM UNMC directly.) You also can tag Big Grove Brewery and the EDGE District, but that will not impact your entry.
Winners will be selected at random and notified by UNMC Strategic Communications.
Upcoming UNMC Blood Drives
- Monday, Oct. 20 – College of Pharmacy, 40th & Dewey Ave. (loop by Hope Tower) | Noon–3 p.m. | Code PHARM
- Thursday, Oct. 30 – Center for Healthy Living, 3908 Jones St. | 9 a.m.–Noon | Code CHL
- Tuesday, Nov. 25 – Lied Transplant Center, 4350 Emile St. | 9 a.m.–1 p.m. | Code NMRT
Drives are operated by the Nebraska Community Blood Bank, the provider of blood for Nebraska Medicine. Appointments are recommended – schedule online using the codes above or call 402-486-9414.
The Bigger Picture
So far, the challenge has generated enough donations to save an estimated 114,510 lives.
The competition runs through Dec. 5. Every pint counts. Every donor matters. And together, we can keep Nebraska on top.