Now’s the time for donors to step forward for the “We Give Blood” challenge.
And one first-time blood donor offers this reassurance: It’s easy.
During the UNMC College of Pharmacy’s recent blood drive event, Chris Christen, senior manager of creative services for the UNMC Department of Strategic Communications, joined UNMC and the University of Nebraska’s efforts in the campaign sponsored by the Big Ten Conference and Abbott.
UNMC’s Chris Christen donated blood for the first time — and left knowing she made a real difference. ❤️🩸
— University of Nebraska Medical Center (@unmc) October 28, 2025
You can make an impact, too! Donate at an upcoming campus blood drive for a chance to win prizes!
More info: https://t.co/LDB0mMGcYS pic.twitter.com/2Rw9dmIgaP
“I was super nervous about giving blood for the first time – honestly, fear is what has kept me from donating all these years,” Christen said. “But when I heard that UNMC would be part of this year’s ‘We Give Blood’ challenge — and since I work here — I figured it was finally time to step up.
“I can’t believe I waited this long to do something this easy to help someone in such a big way.”
She added: “Thanks to the team who helped put me at ease from the get-go.”
Two UNMC events are coming up where donors can donate blood in support of NU’s team:
- 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
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 above or call 402-486-9414.
UNMC’s participation boosts NU’s team toward the $1 million “We Give Blood” prize.
To log a donation for the NU team:
- Register to donate blood at one of the campus events.
- Donate on the day of the event.
- Log your donation (with your name, photo or confirmation email) at this We Give Blood challenge link. Or text DONATE to 222688 (ABBOTT).
Participating donors also can enter a UNMC drawing for a chance to win a prize from Big Grove Brewery, UNMC’s new neighbor in the EDGE District. Big Grove is offering six $25 gift cards and a grand prize $150 gift card to the restaurant and brewery, along with Omaha-branded Big Grove merchandise, for a drawing held by UNMC Strategic Communications.
To enter, post a photo or video to social media of you after donating on campus, tagged to UNMC on Instagram, Facebook, X, BlueSky or LinkedIn. Private accounts can send a direct message to UNMC accounts with your post.
Individual winners among the UNMC Community will be drawn at random and notified by UNMC Strategic Communications.
The “We Give Blood” campaign is promoting the life-saving gift of blood donation – helping patients in critical need, addressing the urgent national blood shortage and building the bench of donors for the future.
NU took home the prize in the inaugural drive last year, winning $1 million to support student and community health initiatives. This year, Nebraska’s team has expanded to all NU campuses, including UNMC, with another $1 million prize on the line.
The competition runs through Dec. 5.