Students at Bradley and Illinois State universities will once again challenge each other to win the On 74 blood drive sponsored by the American Red Cross. (Photo courtesy of American Red Cross)

The pursuit is on for Bradley University and Illinois State University as they compete in the American Red Cross blood donation challenge to help save lives. The rivalry between the schools always deliver winning results for patients in need and this year will be no exception. The American Red Cross has an urgent need for blood and platelet donors of all blood types to make an appointment to give now and help address a winter blood donation shortage.

Starting Jan. 29, many students, student-athletes, faculty, and staff at both universities will be rolling up their sleeves for the annual Challenge on 74 blood donation competition.

The school that collects the highest percentage of its three-day goal secures all-important bragging rights for the year.

Last year, Bradley won the Challenge collecting 104 percent of their goal, while ISU finished at 97 percent.

Bradley University will once again hold their blood drive in memory of Megan Fong, a former tennis player and blood donor. After losing her battle with leukemia, Megan can be proud that her spirit continues to be remembered as Bradley Athletics, the American Red Cross Club and University Greek Life sponsor the blood drive in her memory.

The Red Cross’ We Challenge U program, encourages college students to get involved in the community by organizing blood drives and recruiting friends and faculty to give blood during winter months. Since 2011, the Challenge on 74 has collected numerous pints of blood during the difficult winter months, when blood donations tend to decline.

All presenting donors will receive a commemorative We Challenge U T-shirt, while supplies last.

Bradley University Challenge on 74 blood drives:

Jan. 29 from noon to 6 p.m. at Markin Center, 819 N. Glenwood in Peoria

Jan. 30 from noon to 6 p.m. at Markin Center, 819 N. Glenwood in Peoria

Jan. 31 from noon to 6 p.m. at Markin Center, 819 N. Glenwood in Peoria

“The winter months continue to be one of the most challenging times of year for the Red Cross to collect enough blood donations,” said Matt Pitcher, district manager for the Red Cross. “This season is no different as weather has forced blood drives to be cancelled. Additionally, some donors become temporarily ineligible because of seasonal illnesses. We sincerely appreciate our donors’ commitment to helping save lives year after year.”

Blood donors of all blood types, especially type O, and platelet donors are urgently needed to give now to avoid delays in lifesaving medical care for patients. Volunteer blood drive hosts are also critically needed to stop the shortage from continuing throughout winter.

Eligible donors with types O, A negative and B negative blood are urged to make a Power Red donation at this blood drive. Power Red donors give a concentrated dose of red blood cells during a single donation, allowing them to maximize their impact.

How to donate blood

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App or visit redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code BRADLEY, or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients.

A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood.

High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, from a computer or mobile device. To get started and learn more, visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.

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—- Bradley, ISU students ready for annual Challenge On 74 blood drive —-