COLLEGE PARK, MD — The University of Maryland is proud to join forces with Abbott and the Big Ten Conference in the second annual "We Give Blood" drive competition, uniting to help tackle one of the nation's most urgent health challenges. The competition aims to encourage a new generation of blood donors and while saving thousands of lives along the way.
Someone needs blood every 2 seconds, yet some blood centers have less than a 1-day supply available. The need for blood is constant, whether for trauma victims, mothers experiencing complications after childbirth, or individuals receiving cancer treatment.
As people get older, they become less likely to be eligible to donate blood. At the same time, the number of young people donating blood has been falling in recent years. But Abbott, the Big Ten Conference and the University of Maryland, along with multimedia rightsholder Playfly Sports and Maryland Sports Properties, are calling on students, fans and alumni to change that.
"Every blood donation can save three lives, but we need more people to donate. The Terp Nation knows how to come together to support our teams. Now we're asking all our fans to bring that same spirit to this life-saving mission," says Jim Smith, the Barry P. Gossett Director of Athletics. "We need everyone – our students, faculty, alumni and fans – to come together and deliver a Maryland win in the We Give Blood Drive on behalf of the thousands of people who need our help."
So show up and donate this 2025 season, rep your Maryland pride and save lives! To participate in the competition, UMD students, fans and alumni can donate anytime between Aug. 27-Dec. 5 at blood drives or blood centers across the U.S.
This year's competition brings even more chances for UMD to ignite school spirit and inspire first-time donors. Check out some of the amazing things happening on campus:
On Sept. 10 from 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m., outside Gate C at SECU Stadium on Maryland's campus, a drive will be held.
Register now.
Then on Sept. 26, a drive will be held from 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at STAMP Student Union.
Register now.
Make Your Donation Count
Logging a donation for UMD is easier than ever. After you donate, you can submit your donation at BigTen.Org/Abbott or text "DONATE" to ABBOTT (222688).
The winner of the "We Give Blood" drive will be announced at the Big Ten Championship Game on Dec. 6 in Indianapolis. The winning school will receive $1 million from Abbott to advance student or community health. Donations will be tracked on a live leaderboard at BigTen.Org/Abbott throughout the campaign.
