Omaha to Declare We Give Blood Day on Friday
Mayor John Ewing will issue a citywide proclamation to support the Big Ten conference blood donation challenge.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Philanthropy
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Omaha will officially observe We Give Blood Day this Friday, October 30, 2026, as part of a national initiative to encourage community donations. Mayor John Ewing is scheduled to mark the occasion with a proclamation ceremony at the UNMC Wigton Heritage Center at 10 a.m.
Why it matters
The campaign serves to increase awareness and participation in blood drives to support patients who rely on a consistent and reliable blood supply. By fostering competition among universities, the effort aims to inspire nationwide giving to meet ongoing medical needs.
The competitive campaign features 18 Big Ten universities vying for participation points, following a 2024 contest that awarded a $1 million grant to the winner. Donations made between August 12 and December 4 contribute to the final tally.
The players
John Ewing
John Ewing is the Mayor of Omaha who will read a proclamation to recognize the city's participation in the blood drive initiative.
Abbott
Abbott is a global healthcare company that provides the grant funding for the winning university in the annual blood drive competition.
The details
Donors can track their contributions toward the Big Ten competition by visiting the official program website or texting GIVEBLOOD to 222688. The initiative highlights the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's success as the previous competition winner.
Timeline
August 12, 2026: The Big Ten We Give Blood competition window opens.
October 30, 2026: Omaha observes We Give Blood Day.
December 4, 2026: The Big Ten We Give Blood competition window closes.
Market Landscape
This effort aligns with the Big Ten We Give Blood competition, an initiative that leverages institutional prestige and substantial corporate grants to boost donation rates. It positions community-based philanthropy as a key component of large-scale university and corporate outreach strategies.
Residents can participate by donating blood and registering their contribution to support the local university's standing in the competition. This campaign provides a direct way for individuals to contribute to a critical regional blood supply while helping secure potential grant funding.
The takeaway
Supporting organized blood drives ensures that healthcare facilities maintain the resources necessary for life-saving patient care. Individuals are encouraged to verify their eligibility to donate before visiting a collection site to ensure their contribution counts toward the goal.
Further reading
Learn more about local charitable initiatives on our Philanthropy page.
More information
For full competition details and donation tracking, visit the Big Ten blood drive information page.
Live Poll
Do you believe participating in local blood donation drives is an effective way to support your community?
