Rival campus blood drive battle heats up

UNLV and UNR are competing in more than just sports this year.

The second annual Blood Battle between the two schools continues this semester starting January 12.

Beginning in fall 2008, UNLV and UNR began a year-long competition to see who could donate more blood for the United Blood Service.

The school with the highest percentage of donors at the end of the year will take home the blood drive trophy during this fall’s rival football game.

Students are encouraged to take place in the friendly battle against UNR throughout the semester.

This contest is about more than bragging rights, however.  Not only will students be taking part in a lively competition, they will also be saving lives.  For every one person that donates blood three people’s lives can be saved.

UNLV students have donated 414 pints of blood this academic year, according to the Program Assistant for Leadership and Service with Student Involvement and Activities, Nina Cervana.

Since Sept. 11, 2007, 2.9 percent of UNLV students had donated blood.

UNLV has already beaten its record from last year, when approximately 1.2 percent of the students had donated blood.

There will be many chances throughout the spring semester for students to donate.

The first blood drive of the semester is today from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Student Union Room 209.

Ashlee Wiseman with UNLV Alumni Relations wants students to know that they can make a difference when they give blood.

“As a student, I wasn’t able to financially donate to charities so I began giving blood,” Wiseman said.

“Giving blood is something that is very near to my heart because many of my family members have needed blood donations while in the hospital.”

In order to be able to donate you must meet some minimum requirements. All donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds, be currently healthy and have not donated in the last eight weeks.

Donors may not give blood if they have ever tested positive for hepatitis B or C or AIDS, or used a needle to take non-prescription drugs.

You must also bring a photo ID with you in order to donate. The full list of rules can be found on the United Blood Service Web site.

Each donation takes approximately 40 minutes, but the time taken to donate can go a long way.

“I think it is very important for people to give blood because it really does touch more than the life of the person who receives your donation,” Wiseman said.

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UNLV-UNR Blood Drive Battle