For those who bleed green and yellow, the first ever Civil War Blood Drive, which began Nov. 4 and runs through Wednesday, is a chance to show support for the Ducks — or the Beavers.
Football fans statewide can cast a vote for their favorite team after giving blood by making an appointment anywhere in the state with an American Red Cross bloodmobile or locally with the Lane Memorial bloodmobile. The team with the most votes will be announced during the big game on Nov. 23.
The Lane Memorial and Red Cross bloodmobiles are visiting the University today at the EMU from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., collecting donations from the vein and tallying votes.
“For medical reasons, I can’t give blood, so it’s my way of being involved,” said sophomore Julie Whitecotton, blood drive chairwoman for the University Student Alumni Relations Board.
The University of Oregon and Oregon State University student alumni boards are working with Lane Memorial Blood Bank and the American Red Cross to
bolster the levels of available blood, which will be distributed throughout the northwest for patients who need transfusions.
“There’s always critical shortages for blood,” Associate Vice President for Alumni Affairs Dan Rodriguez said.
The idea originated from dialogue between OSU event organizers in charge of the annual November blood drive and representatives from the Red Cross group, Portland Pacific Northwest Regional Blood Services.
“I think it’s just a great way for people to get involved in the Civil War competition,” said Jennifer Price, assistant director for constituency relations for the University Alumni Association.
However, all fun aside, giving blood does take some bravery.
“The worst part is the finger prick,” Price said. “They prick your finger to check your iron level.”
Yet, before supporters roll up their sleeves for the cause, there are a few things to consider.
Those who want to contribute for the first time should bring picture identification, and all donors should be 17 or older, be in good health and weigh at least 110 pounds.
People should also evaluate their medical histories beforehand. Interested parties should also drink a lot of fluid and eat a good meal with a source of protein, such as yogurt, cheese, eggs, peanut butter or meat, before donating.
“I think people are eating better since the hot weather is gone,” Lane Memorial Blood Bank spokeswoman Chris Stockdale said.
Stockdale added that low-iron count is not usually an issue and that few people are turned away for that reason.
For more information, contact the Student Alumni Relations Board at 346-2107, or to schedule a local appointment, call the Lane Memorial Blood Bank at 484-9111 or the Red Cross at (800) 448-3543.