Middle Tennessee State University Athletics
Donating to blood drive more critical than ever
9/23/2020 9:52:00 AM | General
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee and WKU might be rivals on the field, but for more than a decade, the programs have come together ahead of their annual football matchup to help those in need by donating blood.
This year's blood drive leading up to the Oct. 3 contest might be more necessary than ever because of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"I think this year is probably more important than any year we've ever done it as a result of COVID-19," Diane Turnham, MT senior associate athletic director and senior women's administrator, said. "[Red Cross] contacted us very early on asking us to participate in a blood drive, and while WKU is only doing a one-day drive, we felt it was important to have a three-day drive because of the need in the community."
The Blue Raiders will host their three-day MTSU Bleed Blue to Beat the COVID-19 Blues Blood Drive from Sept. 28-30 at the North Boulevard Church of Christ gymnasium, located at 1112 N Rutherford Blvd. Donors can schedule an appointment between noon-6 p.m. any day.
To schedule an appointment, head to https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=37132. Donors can also utilize the Red Cross Rapid Pass option that will get them in and out quickly by going to https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/manage-my-donations/rapidpass.html.
This year, not only will donors help save lives by giving much-needed blood, but they'll also get a free COVID-19 antibody test.
"I think a lot of people might be interested in finding that out about themselves, so I think it's an added bonus," Turnham said.
All donors will also receive a free haircut coupon courtesy of Sport Clips and a T-shirt.
Middle Tennessee has done well in what's been dubbed the Blood Battle against WKU, donating more than their rival in eight of the last 10 years.
While this year might not be quite the same contest, the need for Blue Raider faithful to get out and donate blood has never been more important.
"The Red Cross is really depending on us, because we're the largest drive they have in our county," Turnham said. "Because of everything going on, this is so, so important for them. We felt that we had to step up and help them out.
"We have lofty goals. We'd really love to have at least 125 donors each day."
This year's blood drive leading up to the Oct. 3 contest might be more necessary than ever because of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"I think this year is probably more important than any year we've ever done it as a result of COVID-19," Diane Turnham, MT senior associate athletic director and senior women's administrator, said. "[Red Cross] contacted us very early on asking us to participate in a blood drive, and while WKU is only doing a one-day drive, we felt it was important to have a three-day drive because of the need in the community."
The Blue Raiders will host their three-day MTSU Bleed Blue to Beat the COVID-19 Blues Blood Drive from Sept. 28-30 at the North Boulevard Church of Christ gymnasium, located at 1112 N Rutherford Blvd. Donors can schedule an appointment between noon-6 p.m. any day.
To schedule an appointment, head to https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=37132. Donors can also utilize the Red Cross Rapid Pass option that will get them in and out quickly by going to https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/manage-my-donations/rapidpass.html.
This year, not only will donors help save lives by giving much-needed blood, but they'll also get a free COVID-19 antibody test.
"I think a lot of people might be interested in finding that out about themselves, so I think it's an added bonus," Turnham said.
All donors will also receive a free haircut coupon courtesy of Sport Clips and a T-shirt.
Middle Tennessee has done well in what's been dubbed the Blood Battle against WKU, donating more than their rival in eight of the last 10 years.
While this year might not be quite the same contest, the need for Blue Raider faithful to get out and donate blood has never been more important.
"The Red Cross is really depending on us, because we're the largest drive they have in our county," Turnham said. "Because of everything going on, this is so, so important for them. We felt that we had to step up and help them out.
"We have lofty goals. We'd really love to have at least 125 donors each day."
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