“We’re really trying to make sure that we're creating a new generation of donors,” Abbott Senior Director of Public Relations Karen Twigg May said. “We're experiencing the biggest blood shortages in a generation, which puts many people at risk. Our traditional donors are getting a little bit older, so we want to make sure that new donors that are the college age are getting super excited about donating.” 

The event was held at Breslin Center on Wednesday. Many students and staff at MSU showed up to take part and donate blood. 

“I'm an MSU alum, so I bleed green,” Twigg May said. “Any time there's an opportunity for us to be able to commit additional funds to improving the lives of students, we want to do that. Abbott is committed to donating $1 million to the winning school from the Big Ten and I'm here to help Michigan State do that. We started the day in 13th place out of 18 schools, so I hope that we see a significant bump in the rankings.” 

Versiti, Abbott’s partner in blood donation, has played a major role in the drive.

“We are the majority blood provider to the state of Michigan,” Versiti Regional Manager of Donor Recruitment Ashley Minor said. “This is neighbors helping neighbors and ensuring that our community blood supply remains stable. We've seen a downturn in engagement in the college-aged students in the 19-to-24-year span, so we're really working to encourage blood donation amongst that group and make sure that awareness is brought to the needy.”

Minor said 30% of Versiti's blood supply comes from high school and college students, so it's crucial to reach out within that age range. 

The drive brought in campus celebrities like head men's basketball coach Tom Izzo and university President Kevin Guskiewicz, who each donated blood for the cause. Two free tickets to MSU's upcoming football game against Indiana this Saturday were given to everyone that donated.

“It's just been a really cool community event where tons of awesome people have come out to support this initiative, the community and overall blood supply,” said Minor. “This has been really great, and as the community blood provider, we are just so grateful for the partnership.” 

“The We Give Blood Drive” isn’t a single event, with various days set up in the coming weeks. 

“There are a number of other opportunities for students to donate,” Twigg May said. “This goes until December 6, so Spartan nation has until December 6 to get out and donate. There's a need for somebody to have a blood donation every two seconds in the United States, so we want to bring people together as a community to do something good. I don't think anyone in the Big Ten comes close to having as much care and compassion about support of their community as we do at Michigan State.” 

With the need for blood donations at its peak, the drive encourages students to step up and contribute. 

“I donated blood because I have donated in the past and it was a really great opportunity,” kinesiology junior Peyton Thayer said. “I know we're currently in a blood shortage, so I want to help anyone who needs blood. I know one day I might need it, so you give, and you get it back.” 

For more information on how to donate or to see the current leaderboard, visit BigTen.org/Abbott. Additional local donation opportunities can be found by entering the proper zip code here.

Those unable to attend the drives on campus can give blood at any donation center and log in at BigTen.org/Abbott to make the donation count for MSU in the contest.