University of Montana Hosted Memorial Blood Drive
The annual event honored the late Rob Edwards, a dedicated Red Cross manager for Western Montana.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Philanthropy
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The University of Montana recently hosted a memorial blood drive to honor the legacy of Rob Edwards. Edwards, who served as the Western Montana disaster program manager for the American Red Cross, passed away in August 2024.
Why it matters
The event addresses the consistent need for blood donations in the community. This drive serves as a tribute to Edwards and his commitment to the region's disaster response efforts.
A blood donation takes approximately 30 minutes to complete. Donors must be at least 16 years of age, though those aged 16 to 18 require parental consent.
The players
Rob Edwards
He served as the Western Montana disaster program manager for the American Red Cross before his death in August 2024.
American Red Cross
This humanitarian organization provides emergency assistance, disaster relief, and blood collection services across the United States.
University of Montana
Located in Missoula, this public research university regularly hosts community events and service drives.
The details
The event encourages participation through either donating blood or volunteering time. It aims to support the American Red Cross in its mission to maintain a continuous, reliable supply of blood for patients in need.
Timeline
Rob Edwards died in August 2024.
The annual blood drive occurred on October 8, 2026.
Market Landscape
Low national participation rates highlight the competitive challenge organizations face in maintaining a consistent blood supply. Community-driven events like this are essential for filling the gap in voluntary donation cycles.
Residents can support regional disaster preparedness by volunteering or donating blood at future scheduled drives. Prospective donors must be at least 16 years old to participate in these community health efforts.
The takeaway
Maintaining a steady blood supply requires consistent community engagement throughout the year. Individuals can help by checking their eligibility and attending local donation events in Missoula.
Further reading
For more information on local service efforts, visit the Missoula Philanthropy section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KPAX News.
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