Give blood, beat OSU

'Blood Battle' is an opportunity to save lives

The 19th annual Blood Battle, organized by Blood Drives United and the Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity, began last week. On Friday, the first donation event of the drive was successful; APO and the Red Cross beat their goal of 85 pints by collecting 106 pints of blood in the Union.

During the days leading up to the November 19th Michigan - Ohio State University football game, the University will compete against OSU to collect more blood for use in southeastern Michigan hospitals. If both schools meet their goals of 1,700 units of blood, the blood drive could save more than 10,200 lives.

Traditionally, Blood Drives United relies heavily on the Michigan Student Assembly's Community Service Commission for funding. The CSC provided more than $44,000 to 75 groups and projects at last week's MSA meeting. This year, Blood Drives United didn't receive any MSA funding because they failed to attend an interview labeled as optional on the application form, but made mandatory through e-mails. Due to the systemic ambiguity, the CSC should give Blood Drives United at least some funding through the appeals process, and clarify their procedures for the future.

Begun in 1982, the Blood Battle has a long of tradition at the University of Michigan: Over the years the University has won 8 battles, and Ohio State 10. With Michigan's last win in 1998, APO hopes to win this year by setting the goal of 1,700 units. The largest blood drive in Michigan, blood from the Blood Battle goes to 58 area hospitals, providing a needed service to the local medical community.

The American Red Cross relies on donations to provide hospitals with a supply of blood for transfusions, and approximately every two seconds someone needs blood. Students who are 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and meet the other requirements should donate. Donating blood is an easy and simple way to save lives: Most people are eligible to donate, and the entire process only takes about an hour. Free juice and cookies are provided afterwards. To donate, simply come to the scheduled donation times. For more information about blood donation, and how you can volunteer year-round, call the American Red Cross at 1-800-GIVE-LIFE.

November 5th

o Stockwell 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

November 6th

o East Quad 2 p.m. - 8 p.m.

November 7th

o Business School 11 p.m. - 5 p.m.

o St. Mary's Student Parish 11:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

November 8th

o South Quad 1 p.m. - 7 p.m.

November 9th

o Bursley 3 p.m. - 9 p.m.

November 10th

o Mosher - Jordan 2 p.m. - 8 p.m.

o Chrysler Center 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

November 12th

o Mary Markley Hall 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

November 13th

o Union Ballroom 1 p.m. - 7 p.m.

o Hillel 12-6

November 14th

o Union Ballroom 1 p.m. - 7 p.m.

November 15th

o Union Ballroom 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

November 16th

o Union Ballroom 2 p.m. - 8 p.m.

November 17th

o Union Ballroom 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.

o West Quad 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.