Indiana University Athletics
Indiana University kicks-off the 2026 Abbott and Big Ten ‘We Give Blood' drive as U.S. faces blood supply crisis
8/26/2026 8:00:00 AM | General
Indiana University calling on students, alumni and fans to donate blood to bolster national blood supply, compete for $1 million grant
For only the second time in its history, the American Red Cross has declared a national blood crisis after donations dropped to a four-year summer low, threatening the availability of lifesaving blood for patients across the country.
The competition officially kicks off Aug. 26, but to help address current shortages, Abbott and the Big Ten will honor any blood donations made starting Aug. 12. Hoosiers from across the country can get involved as early as today by logging any blood donation made on or after Aug. 12, or by scheduling a blood donation at their nearest blood drive or center. While any donation made at any blood center in the U.S. between Aug. 12 and Dec. 4 can count towards the competition, donors in the local Bloomington area can attend any of the following upcoming drives:
"Every time you donate blood, you could be helping someone recovering from a car accident, a mom facing complications after childbirth, or a patient undergoing cancer treatment," said Sarah Campbell, Account Manager at American Red Cross of Southern Indiana. "We're calling on Hoosiers across the state and country to donate blood, save lives, and show what Indiana pride can do."
Inspiring a new generation of donors
In addition to addressing current shortages, the "We Give Blood" competition also aims to help fuel a new generation of donors. Today, nearly a quarter of all blood donations come from people over 65, many of whom will eventually be unable to donate. With only about 3% of those in the U.S. eligible to donate doing so, the need to recruit new donors is urgent. In the Big Ten community-population alone, its nearly 40 million people are likely eligible but may not yet be giving blood. If 1 in 15 of those people commit to donating blood into the future, that would close the gap left by an aging donor population.
'We Give Blood' at Indiana University
In the competition's first two years, more than 100,000 total donations helped save as many as 300,000 lives. Each school's efforts helped secure a sustainable blood supply that the health system will depend on for decades to come: nearly one-third of student donors last year gave blood for the first time, and 96% said they would do it again.
Last year, Indiana students, fans, and alumni from across the country played a significant role in saving lives while competing for their school:
How to participate
Students, fans and alumni who donate blood anywhere in the U.S. between Aug. 12 and Dec. 4 can count their donation for Indiana in three easy steps:
1. Donate blood at any blood drive or blood center in the U.S.
2. Take a photo or save your donation confirmation.
3. Log it at BigTen.org/Abbott or text GIVEBLOOD to 222688 (ABBOTT).
Donation totals will be tracked on a live leaderboard at BigTen.org/Abbott throughout the campaign.
People who show up to donate and log their donation made from Aug. 12 to Dec. 4 will be eligible to receive an exclusive, limited-edition Indiana University T-shirt while supplies last* and help their school be one step closer to winning $1 million from Abbott to advance student or community health.
About the 'We Give Blood' drive
"We Give Blood" is a nationwide blood donation competition presented by Abbott and the Big Ten Conference, now in its third year. All 18 Big Ten universities compete for the most recorded donations, with the winning school receiving a $1 million grant from Abbott to advance student or community health. In its first two years, the campaign generated more than 100,000 donations collectively and helped save as many as 300,000 lives.
* Any potential incentives related to this program are non-transferable and not redeemable for cash. T-shirts are available while supplies last. For terms and conditions, visit BigTen.org/Abbott.
- Indiana University joins all 18 Big Ten schools competing in this year's "We Give Blood" drive — a nationwide competition between all 18 Big Ten schools to drive the most blood donations and win a $1 million grant from global healthcare company Abbott
- For only the second time in its history, the American Red Cross has declared a national blood crisis after donations dropped to a four-year summer low, threatening the availability of lifesaving blood for patients across the country.
- Indiana students, alumni, and fans can now log blood donations at BigTen.org/Abbott or by texting GIVEBLOOD to 222688 (ABBOTT) to count for Indiana from now through Dec. 4
- Donations made on or after Aug. 12 will count toward the competition, which officially kicks off today
For only the second time in its history, the American Red Cross has declared a national blood crisis after donations dropped to a four-year summer low, threatening the availability of lifesaving blood for patients across the country.
The competition officially kicks off Aug. 26, but to help address current shortages, Abbott and the Big Ten will honor any blood donations made starting Aug. 12. Hoosiers from across the country can get involved as early as today by logging any blood donation made on or after Aug. 12, or by scheduling a blood donation at their nearest blood drive or center. While any donation made at any blood center in the U.S. between Aug. 12 and Dec. 4 can count towards the competition, donors in the local Bloomington area can attend any of the following upcoming drives:
- Aug. 26: Student Recreational Sports Center, 1601 E Law Ln., Bloomington, IN 47408, 2p.m. – 8p.m.
- Aug. 31: Indiana University Memorial Union Alumni Hall, 900 E. 7th Street, Bloomington, IN 47405, 12p.m. – 5p.m.
- Sept. 4: IU Health Bloomington - Health Science Building, 2631 E. Discovery Pkwy, 9a.m. - 2p.m.
- Sept. 8: Indiana University Memorial Union State Room East and West, 900 E. 7th Street, Bloomington, IN 47405, 11a.m. – 4p.m.
- And many more. Visit Bigten.org/Abbott/Indiana to find a blood drive or center near you.
"Every time you donate blood, you could be helping someone recovering from a car accident, a mom facing complications after childbirth, or a patient undergoing cancer treatment," said Sarah Campbell, Account Manager at American Red Cross of Southern Indiana. "We're calling on Hoosiers across the state and country to donate blood, save lives, and show what Indiana pride can do."
Inspiring a new generation of donors
In addition to addressing current shortages, the "We Give Blood" competition also aims to help fuel a new generation of donors. Today, nearly a quarter of all blood donations come from people over 65, many of whom will eventually be unable to donate. With only about 3% of those in the U.S. eligible to donate doing so, the need to recruit new donors is urgent. In the Big Ten community-population alone, its nearly 40 million people are likely eligible but may not yet be giving blood. If 1 in 15 of those people commit to donating blood into the future, that would close the gap left by an aging donor population.
'We Give Blood' at Indiana University
In the competition's first two years, more than 100,000 total donations helped save as many as 300,000 lives. Each school's efforts helped secure a sustainable blood supply that the health system will depend on for decades to come: nearly one-third of student donors last year gave blood for the first time, and 96% said they would do it again.
Last year, Indiana students, fans, and alumni from across the country played a significant role in saving lives while competing for their school:
- With 3,387 total donations, Indiana University came in eighth place in the "We Give Blood" drive in 2025 – narrowly beating Purdue University by just 53 donations.
- In 2024, Indiana's victory was even closer, inching ahead of Purdue by just 39 donations for a total of 886 donations. Both schools increased their total donations by nearly the same percentage (+282% for Indiana, +292% for Purdue) – teeing up another close race in 2026.
How to participate
Students, fans and alumni who donate blood anywhere in the U.S. between Aug. 12 and Dec. 4 can count their donation for Indiana in three easy steps:
1. Donate blood at any blood drive or blood center in the U.S.
2. Take a photo or save your donation confirmation.
3. Log it at BigTen.org/Abbott or text GIVEBLOOD to 222688 (ABBOTT).
Donation totals will be tracked on a live leaderboard at BigTen.org/Abbott throughout the campaign.
People who show up to donate and log their donation made from Aug. 12 to Dec. 4 will be eligible to receive an exclusive, limited-edition Indiana University T-shirt while supplies last* and help their school be one step closer to winning $1 million from Abbott to advance student or community health.
About the 'We Give Blood' drive
"We Give Blood" is a nationwide blood donation competition presented by Abbott and the Big Ten Conference, now in its third year. All 18 Big Ten universities compete for the most recorded donations, with the winning school receiving a $1 million grant from Abbott to advance student or community health. In its first two years, the campaign generated more than 100,000 donations collectively and helped save as many as 300,000 lives.
* Any potential incentives related to this program are non-transferable and not redeemable for cash. T-shirts are available while supplies last. For terms and conditions, visit BigTen.org/Abbott.
Monday, August 24
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Friday, August 21
Friday, August 21