Sports & Competition
Fri, November 14, 2025
UNL Claims Top Spot in National Blood Drive Competition
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Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, November 14th 2025 at 20:30 GMT by KETV Omaha- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
University of Nebraska Rises to the Top in the National Blood Drive Competition
The University of Nebraska‑Lincoln (UNL) has once again shown that its students are not only committed to academic excellence but also to making a tangible difference in their community. In a spirited effort that culminated on the campus’s green‑and‑gold lawns, UNL outperformed every other university in the annual American Red Cross “Blood Drive Competition,” collecting the most units of donated blood among participating institutions. The competition—an event that encourages college campuses across the United States to rally for a common cause—ended with the University of Nebraska proudly claiming the top spot.
A Race for Life‑Saving Donations
The blood drive was organized by the American Red Cross in partnership with the Nebraska State Blood Bank and local hospitals. Over the course of the week‑long event (October 9‑15), UNL students, faculty, and staff lined up for donation appointments, many of them taking time out of busy class schedules and research commitments to participate. According to the university’s Health Sciences Department, more than 1,200 units of blood were donated by UNL students alone, setting a new record for the campus and eclipsing the previous high score set by the University of Colorado last year.
In total, all universities in the competition combined donated 3,400 units of blood during the same period. That number translates into thousands of potential lifesaving donations—ranging from emergency trauma care to routine surgeries and cancer treatments—directly benefiting patients in the Omaha and Lincoln regions as well as across the country.
Behind the Numbers: What Makes a Successful Drive
The article notes that the University of Nebraska’s success can be attributed to a few key factors:
Student Leadership and Organization – The Health Science Association (HSA) and the Student Nurses Association (SNA) spearheaded the drive. These student‑run groups coordinated volunteer schedules, managed the online registration portal, and organized on‑campus promotional events to spread awareness.
Campus Partnerships – UNL’s Department of Health Sciences, the university’s Student Health Center, and the local Red Cross Chapter worked hand‑in‑hand. The campus’s health center hosted a “donor care” station staffed by nursing students who guided new donors through the process, ensuring a smooth experience.
Safety Protocols in a Post‑Pandemic World – The drive incorporated rigorous COVID‑19 screening, mask requirements, and hand‑sanitizing stations. By ensuring safety, the organizers encouraged more students to feel comfortable and safe during their donation.
Incentives and Recognition – In addition to the overarching trophy and the university’s bragging rights, each student who donated was entered into a raffle for a $100 gift card to the campus bookstore. The university also presented the winning team with a commemorative plaque and a feature on the campus news website.
Voices from the Front Lines
The article provides several quotes from students and staff that capture the spirit of the event:
“It’s not just about the trophy,” said 20‑year‑old biology major and first‑time donor Maya Thompson. “It’s about the people who depend on that blood, whether they’re battling cancer, recovering from an accident, or simply having a routine operation.”
Dr. Robert Lee, head of the Health Sciences Department, remarked that “this competition isn’t a game; it’s a critical reminder that we’re part of a larger ecosystem of care. Every unit of blood donated can be the difference between life and death.”
College dean, Susan Miller, highlighted the university’s commitment to service: “Our students have always been leaders in community outreach. This year’s blood drive exemplified that leadership and reinforced the notion that the campus is a hub of compassion and civic responsibility.”
The Bigger Picture: National Impact
While the article focuses on UNL’s triumph, it also ties the drive into the broader national context. The American Red Cross’s “National Blood Drive” is a key component of its overall strategy to secure sufficient blood supplies across the country. The organization emphasizes that even a single unit of blood can benefit three to four patients—a fact that resonates strongly in the article’s call to action.
Readers interested in more detailed statistics or the national leaderboard can follow a link to the American Red Cross website (https://www.redcross.org/) provided within the article. The link offers a live dashboard that tracks donations in real time, along with explanations of the donation process, eligibility criteria, and the impact each unit can have.
Looking Ahead
UNL’s record‑setting performance sets a new benchmark for student blood drives. The university plans to hold a second drive next spring, this time partnering with local high schools to broaden community engagement. By continuing to combine student enthusiasm with professional guidance, the University of Nebraska is poised to keep pushing the envelope in lifesaving philanthropy.
As the article concludes, “the next time you hear about a blood drive, remember the students on a Nebraska campus who proved that passion, organization, and teamwork can translate into real, measurable outcomes for those in need.” The University’s accomplishment is a reminder that, even in the age of digital convenience, a simple act of donating blood can still have a profound ripple effect across a community—and beyond.
Read the Full KETV Omaha Article at:
[ https://www.ketv.com/article/university-of-nebraska-fights-for-top-spot-in-blood-drive-competition/69442812 ]
