Wayne State University Athletics

General 1/9/2025 8:30:00 AM Lisa Erickson, Associate Athletic Director/Head Athletic Trainer

WSU Sports Medicine Partners With American Red Cross for Third Annual I-96 Blood Battle

DETROIT -- The Sports Medicine Department of Wayne State University Athletics will host a community blood drive with the American Red Cross on Monday Feb. 3, 2025, from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the Wayne State Fieldhouse. This blood drive launches the Third Annual I-96 Blood Battle, a blood drive competition with Davenport University, which culminates in a trophy presentation during the basketball games between the two schools. This year's trophy presentation will be held on Feb. 22, when the Panthers host the Warriors in Grand Rapids (women tip-off at 1pm, and men tip-off at 3pm).

WSU has won the Blood Battle trophy the previous two years, and is hoping to pull off its third straight victory. It has been a close contest each year, with the winning school being determined by only one or two donors, so every donation counts! Only donations made on Feb. 3rd at the Wayne State Fieldhouse will be counted for WSU towards the trophy. For those interested in supporting Wayne State, schedule your donation by clicking here.

"The WSU Athletics Sports Medicine Department is committed to strengthening our community and helping meet hospital and patient needs through blood donations," said Lisa Erickson, Associate AD for Sports Medicine. "This blood drive is our way of giving staff, colleagues and neighbors an opportunity to help save lives."

Blood is a perishable product that can only come from volunteer blood donors. With someone in the U.S. needing blood every two seconds, blood products must be constantly replenished, according to the Red Cross.

"We urge community members to donate blood and help ensure that patients in local hospitals have a supply of blood ready and waiting before an emergency occurs. There is no better feeling than knowing that your blood donation may give someone a second chance at life."

According to the Red Cross, donors with all blood types are needed, especially those with types O negative, A negative and B negative.

For more information, please contact Lisa Erickson at lisa.erickson3@wayne.edu.

I-96 Blood Battle blood drive:
Feb. 3, 2025: 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Wayne State Fieldhouse
1290 West Warren Ave.
Detroit, MI 48202

2022-23 Blood Battle Recap.
2023-24 Blood Battle Recap.

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