KENOSHA, Wis. — The City of Kenosha is asking residents to roll up their sleeves and help the University of Wisconsin-Madison defend its championship in the Abbott and Big Ten Conference’s annual “We Give Blood Drive” competition, with a $1 million prize on the line for the winning university.
The nationwide competition, now in its third year, combines Big Ten rivalry with an effort to combat the country’s ongoing blood shortage. The University of Wisconsin won last year’s competition, and Kenosha officials are hoping local residents will once again help put the Badgers on top.
Blood donations made between Aug. 12 and Dec. 4 can count toward the competition. The Big Ten university with the most donations will receive a $1 million grant from Abbott to support community or student health initiatives.
Three Kenosha Blood Drives Planned
The City of Kenosha is partnering with Versiti to host three local blood drives. They are scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 1 at the Kenosha Public Museum, 5500 First Ave.; Friday, Sept. 18 at the Kenosha County Courthouse, 912 56th St.; and Friday, Oct. 30 at the Northside Community Library, 1500 27th Ave.
People who donate at one of the city-sponsored drives will receive a free University of Wisconsin hat and a Culver’s coupon for a pint of custard. Donors who log their donation through the competition can also select an exclusive T-shirt representing their favorite Big Ten school. Donations do not have to be made at one of the three city-sponsored events — people can donate at any blood drive or blood center in Kenosha and log the donation toward the competition.
“This year’s competition kicks off at a time when the country is facing a critical blood shortage, with donations dropping to a four-year summer low,” Abbott Executive Vice President of Core Diagnostics Lou Morrone said.
Morrone, a Kenosha native and University of Wisconsin alumnus, credited the local community with helping Wisconsin win last year.
“As a UW alum and Kenosha native, I’m proud of the role the Kenosha community played in helping Wisconsin win last year’s competition, and I’m excited to see Wisconsin come together again to make an even greater impact this year,” Morrone said.
Donated Blood Can Save Lives Right Here In Kenosha
City officials also emphasized that donated blood can have an immediate impact locally. The Kenosha Fire Department is the first fire-based EMS service in Wisconsin to carry blood aboard all of its front-line ambulances.
Through the department’s prehospital blood administration program, Kenosha paramedics can give lifesaving blood transfusions at the scene of an emergency before a patient reaches the hospital. That can give critically injured or ill patients a head start on treatment during the minutes when it matters most.
“Every blood donation has the power to save lives, and I’m proud that the City of Kenosha is once again supporting this important effort,” Kenosha Mayor David Bogdala said. “I want to thank our community partners for helping make these blood drives possible. If you’re able, please consider donating at one of our local drives to help save lives while showing your Wisconsin pride!”
.
.
.
.
.
.
