Nebraska joins second annual Big Ten ‘We Give Blood’ challenge

A UNL student donates blood.

The University of Nebraska is once again joining forces with Abbott and the Big Ten Conference for the We Give Blood challenge — a national campaign to combat critical blood shortages and encourage more young people to become blood donors.

On-campus blood drive opportunities

UNMC

  • Aug. 28: Hope Tower Circle, near 40th Street and Dewey Avenue | 9 a.m.-noon
  • Sept. 23: Lied Transplant Center | 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
  • Oct. 30: Center for Healthy Living | 9 a.m.-noon
  • Nov. 25: Lied Transplant Center | 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

UNMC’s drive is operated by the Nebraska Community Blood Bank – the provider of blood for Nebraska Medicine – which is currently in a blood emergency with an urgent need for blood donors.

Appointments are recommended. Donors can schedule an appointment for the drive online. Enter sponsor code CHL or call 402-486-9414.

University of Nebraska-Lincoln

  • Aug. 27: S Street off the Plaza | 1-6 p.m.
  • Sept. 29-Oct. 3: Homecoming Blood Drive | Sponsored by Student Life and ASUN
    • Sept. 29: City Campus | 11 a.m.-6 p.m
    • Sept. 30: City Campus | 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
    • Oct. 1: East Campus | 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
    • Oct. 2: City Campus | 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
  • Nov. 14: Memorial Stadium | Sponsored by Husker Athletics | 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
  • Nov. 19-21: St. Mark’s on the Campus | Sponsored by the American Red Cross

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.

Each contribution supports a lifesaving cause — and could help the university defend its title as last year’s challenge champion.

In 2024, more than 20,000 Big Ten donors participated in the competition, helping save an estimated 60,000 lives. Nebraska made it to the top of the leaderboard — earning $1 million to advance student and community health. That victory reflected more than school pride; it was a testament to what a united campus and community can do together. Now, the opportunity is back — and once again, every donation counts.

“This isn’t just about recognition,” said Jeffrey P. Gold, MD, president of the University of Nebraska System. “It’s about showing up for others and continuing Nebraska’s proud tradition of service. Last year, Nebraskans made a difference in tens of thousands of lives. We have the chance to do that again.”

See this video from UNL University Communication & Marketing for more about the We Give Blood challenge.

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.

The We Give Blood challenge channels the energy of college sports and school pride into a cause with life-saving impact. 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.

“The We Give Blood Drive showcases the incredible impact our Husker community can make when we work together,” said Troy Dannen, athletic director for Nebraska Athletics. “Winning last year was a proud moment for the University of Nebraska, and we’re excited to continue supporting this life-saving effort alongside the Big Ten and Abbott.”

Join the challenge in three steps:

  1. Donate blood anywhere in the U.S. between Aug. 27 and Dec. 5.
  2. Log your donation (with your name, photo or confirmation email) at this We Give Blood challenge link or by texting DONATE to 222688 (ABBOTT).
  3. Track progress in real time at the challenge website.

Whether donating on campus or at a local blood center, every contribution helps — and all logged donations count toward Nebraska’s total.

Each pint of donated blood can save up to three lives. Whether it’s a first-time donation or part of a continued commitment, this is a chance to support public health and demonstrate the power of Husker Nation.

With national recognition and support for student and community health on the line, Nebraska is once again ready to compete — and contribute.

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