A fun competition between colleges is providing the gift of life to thousands of hospital patients in need, thanks to the efforts of students from Syracuse University and SUNY ESF. Students from both schools participated in a competition involving colleges to raise blood donation totals, and have taken home top honors in the Red Cross Blood Battle against Boston College.
Students take part in Red Cross blood drive as part of this year’s Blood Battle against Boston College.
“Blood battles like these are friendly competitions that educate and inform students about the need for blood donors in our community,” says Katherine Stepanian, an account manager for the Red Cross. “It also provides a fun platform in which students can get involved either as a blood donor, volunteer or recruiter, all for a great cause.”
After the donations were completed and the numbers tallied, the team from SU/ESF donated 460 units of blood, which the red cross says will help 1,380 people. Eighteen campus organizations took part, including students from the Whitman School of Management.
“I am really impressed and pleased with the results of the drive, and I felt like we were able to wholeheartedly engage the Whitman Community to really make a difference,” says Tyler Coleman ’16, one of the event co-organizers. “Many people’s lives depend on these donations and I hope that this Blood Battle between Syracuse and BC continues to encourage more blood donation to help offset the constant need for blood.”
As a result of participation, Syracuse University and ESF have taken away the Blood Battle crown from last year’s winner, Boston College. However the true winners are people in need of blood.
“Combined with Boston College’s collections, this battle will result in up to 2157 lifesaving blood products for patients in need,” says Stepanian.
