Big Ten Blood Donation Competition Launched
The annual initiative returns to UW-Madison as the American Red Cross works to resolve a national blood crisis.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Philanthropy
Live Poll
Would you donate blood if your local hospital faced a critical supply shortage?
The Big Ten We Give Blood competition has launched, tasking 18 schools with rallying donors to win a $1 million grant. UW-Madison is currently hosting local blood drives at the Nicholas Recreation Center to bolster supply.
Why it matters
The American Red Cross has officially declared a blood crisis, citing an urgent need for donations as hospitals lack viable alternatives to blood products for essential oxygen transport.
Wisconsin generated over 15,000 donations last year, while this year's competition offers a $1 million grant to the winning school. Participating schools include 18 Big Ten universities vying for the top prize.
The players
American Red Cross
This humanitarian organization provides emergency assistance and disaster relief and currently manages the nation's blood supply.
UW-Madison
This public research university serves as a primary site for the competition after winning the blood donation drive last year.
Betsy Deitte
She is a patient who received 36 blood transfusions during her treatment for acute myeloid leukemia.
The details
Donors may book appointments online or visit the Nicholas Recreation Center for walk-in availability, where staff members screen participants for eligibility. The drive highlights personal stories like that of Betsy Deitte, who required 36 blood transfusions during her treatment for acute myeloid leukemia, a condition that had a 30% five-year survival rate at the time of her diagnosis.
Timeline
UW-Madison campus blood drives begin on September 29, 2026.
UW-Madison campus blood drives conclude on October 1, 2026.
Market Landscape
This year's drive follows the precedent set by the 2025 Big Ten We Give Blood competition, where UW-Madison secured victory. The initiative demonstrates how collegiate athletic conferences are increasingly leveraging their massive student bodies to address regional health infrastructure gaps.
Local residents and students can contribute to the competition by scheduling an appointment or appearing as a walk-in at the Nicholas Recreation Center. Participating in these drives directly impacts the community's ability to maintain a stable blood supply during the current national crisis.
The takeaway
Donating blood remains the only way to provide essential oxygen transport for hospital patients requiring life-saving care. Even a single donation can make a significant difference for those undergoing intensive treatments for conditions like leukemia.
Further reading
Learn more about local efforts by visiting the Philanthropy section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Wmtv15news.
Live Poll
Would you donate blood if your local hospital faced a critical supply shortage?
