Ashley Park Promoted Abbott Blood Donation Initiative
The actor is encouraging blood donations to combat national shortages through a college-based competition.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Philanthropy
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Actor Ashley Park has become a spokesperson for the Abbott We Give Blood initiative, a campaign designed to alleviate national blood shortages by incentivizing university participation. The program awards a $1 million grant to the Big Ten institution that records the highest number of blood donations.
Why it matters
The initiative seeks to establish a sustainable pipeline of new blood donors to address critical supply gaps. By targeting university communities, the project aims to attract younger participants who may not have previously considered donating.
The initiative has successfully engaged a new demographic, with 96% of first-time donors stating they intend to donate again. The campaign tracks participation across all 18 universities in the Big Ten conference.
The players
Ashley Park
She is an actor and the primary spokesperson for the Abbott We Give Blood initiative.
The details
Participants contribute to the initiative by donating blood, with the totals tracked by school to award the grant. Ashley Park, who received treatment for leukemia at age 15, has leveraged her platform to raise awareness about the constant need for blood supplies.
Timeline
In 2006, Ashley Park received leukemia treatment at age 15.
Ashley Park graduated from the University of Michigan in 2013.
Ashley Park spoke about blood donation on September 24, 2026.
Market Landscape
The initiative marks a departure from reliance on donors over age 65 by aggressively courting the university demographic. This move reflects a broader corporate strategy to secure long-term donor loyalty through institutional competition.
University students and alumni at Big Ten schools can contribute to their institution's bid for the $1 million grant by donating blood. For the average consumer, this program provides a clear pathway to engage in charitable health efforts while supporting their alma mater.
The takeaway
The campaign demonstrates how competitive incentives can effectively mobilize new volunteers for charitable causes. Readers interested in supporting the cause can check their local eligibility requirements to participate in blood donation drives.
Further reading
Learn more about corporate efforts to address social needs in our Philanthropy section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by TODAY.
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Would you donate blood if your local university or community team received a grant for participating?
