University of Nebraska challenges Husker community to win We Give Blood competition

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — As the American Red Cross has declared a national blood crisis and the Nebraska Community Blood Bank reported its lowest blood supply since the recent pandemic, the University of Nebraska is working to bring the We Give Blood championship back to Nebraska.

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The nationwide competition is sponsored by Abbott and the Big Ten Conference. It is based on how many donations each Big Ten school can get. Nebraska won the competition in 2024 and got second in 2024, losing to Wisconsin by less than 1,000 donations.

While the competition thrives on the rivalry between schools, the underlying goal of it is to help neighbors in need.

“Nebraskans have always answered the call when our neighbors need us,” said Dr. Jeffrey P. Gold, president of the NU system. “Every blood donation has the potential to save lives, and every Nebraskan, no matter where they live, can be part of this effort. Together, we can meet an urgent need and bring the We Give Blood title back to Nebraska.”

Donations can be made for Nebraska across the country by entering the donation into their website.

Otherwise, donations can be logged by texting GIVEBLOOD to 222688. They can be logged beginning Aug. 26 through Dec. 4.

“Being a Husker means being part of something bigger than ourselves, and the We Give Blood campaign is a powerful way to put that spirit of community and service into action,” said University of Nebraska–Lincoln Interim Chancellor Katherine S. Ankerson. “Every donation has the potential to save lives, and when Huskers come together, our collective impact can be extraordinary. I encourage every eligible Husker to participate and help us make a difference for people and communities across Nebraska and beyond.”