UNMC Interim Chancellor H. Dele Davies, MD, rolled up his sleeve recently to donate blood in support of the Big Ten Conference and Abbott’s “We Give Blood” challenge, a friendly competition among universities to help save lives through blood donation.
“I’m giving blood to help patients who need transfusions during surgery and to support the university system in the Big Ten blood donation challenge,” Dr. Davies said during his visit to the donation site.
Upcoming blood drives
- Today, Nov. 18, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.: Bellevue Medical Center, 2500 Bellevue Medical Center Drive. Sign up here.
- Thursday, Nov. 20, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.: Nebraska Medical Center, lower Storz Pavilion, 4350 Dewey Ave., sponsored by Clarkson College. Sign up here.
- Tuesday, Nov. 25, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.: Lied Transplant Center, 4350 Emile St. Sign up here.
Drives are operated by the Nebraska Community Blood Bank, the provider of blood for Nebraska Medicine. Appointments are recommended –schedule online using the code above or call 402-486-9414.
Dr. Davies emphasized the vital role blood donors play in patient care. “Every day, patients undergo surgeries or face trauma that requires blood. Donating is one of the most meaningful gifts we can give, helping save lives and supporting people as they recover,” he said.
Big Ten Conference and Abbott’s “We Give Blood” challenge encourages participation across the university community, highlighting the power of collective action. Every donation contributes to local blood supplies and helps ensure hospitals have the resources needed for emergencies and ongoing care.
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.
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).
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.