FOR RELEASE: Nov. 2, 2012
EDITORIAL CONTACT: Gina E. Fann, gina.fann@mtsu.edu or 615-898-5385
MURFREESBORO — More than 3,700 people will have
another year of living, laughing and maybe even cheering at an MTSU-Western
Kentucky game, thanks to a “blood battle” that collected the lifesaving gift
from more than 1,200 supporters at both universities.
WKU won
the three-day competition, now in its third year, for the first time with a
total of 637 successful donors.
MTSU
boasted 618 successful donors, officials said when announcing the results at
Thursday night’s football game at Western Kentucky’s Smith Stadium. (The Blue
Raiders brought home game bragging rights with a hard-fought 34-29 win.)
The 2012
competition goal was 1,200 units of blood, and MTSU and WKU beat that goal by
55 units. Since each donation can help up to three people, the 1,255 units of
blood can potentially save the lives of 3,755 people.
“This was
the first year either school has brought in more than 600 productive units of
blood,” said Brittany Durham, a donor recruitment representative for the
American Red Cross’s Tennessee Valley Region Blood Services.
“We are
definitely growing this drive and raising awareness! We ended so strong, got
everyone in and out in a timely manner and had so much support from our student
body. They really carried MTSU this year in the competition! Thank you for your
continued support with the American Red Cross.”
MTSU
students, faculty, staff, alumni and supporters worked for a third year to
“bleed blue” during the Oct. 29-31 drive at the Student Health, Wellness and
Recreation Center. Student volunteers
from numerous organizations staffed information tables, directed traffic,
posted signs and used social media to encourage as many donors as possible.
MTSU won
the inaugural drive, the brainchild of Director of Athletics Chris Massaro, in
2010 and also took the title in 2011.
The
university recently received the "Growing by Leaps and Bounds Award"
from the Red Cross for its efforts in the "Bleed Blue, Beat WKU"
campaigns.
MTSU
collected 551 units of blood in 2010 and has increased its numbers each year.
Planning
will get under way late next spring for the 2013 blood drive, when MTSU aims to
“Bleed Blue, Beat WKU” once again.
Diane
Turnham, MTSU associate director of athletics, said the real winner in the
competition will always be the Red Cross and the people it serves.
"That's
what it is all about," Turnham pointed out. "While it is always great
to compete against Western on the field, it is also satisfying to help others.
And we can do both with this blood drive."
The
American Red Cross put out a call Oct. 30 for donors around the nation to step
up with whole blood and platelet donations to counter cancellations of hundreds
of drives in East Coast states in the wake of Hurricane Sandy.
The
cancellations led to a shortfall of more than 9,000 blood and platelet
donations across several states that would otherwise be available for those
needing transfusions.
Donors who
missed the “Bleed Blue” competition at MTSU can still give blood anytime to
help ease the shortage. Visit www.redcrossblood.org
and follow the directions to find a site near you and make an appointment to
donate.
—30—
MTSU
is committed to developing a community devoted to learning, growth and service.
We hold these values dear, and there’s a simple phrase that conveys them: “I am True Blue.” Learn more at
www.mtsu.edu/trueblue. For MTSU news anytime, visit www.MTSUNews.com.
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