Montana Red Cross Challenges MSU, UM Fans to Help Save Lives During Annual Cat-Griz Blood Battle

The Montana State Bobcats look to defend their title from their University of Montana Grizzly rivals as the two fan bases compete once again during the Montana Red Cross Blood Battle.

In November, Cat and Griz fans go head-to-head to see who can donate the most lifesaving blood at blood drives across Bozeman and Missoula. Last year, Bobcat nation donated 124 units of lifesaving blood while the Griz gave 115 units.

While competition remains fierce from year-to-year, Red Cross of Montana officials say the real winners are the numerous Montana patients who depend on blood product donations every single day, including children battling cancer, accident victims and expecting mothers.

“We can’t thank residents enough for sharing their team spirit at the stadium and in our donor chairs,” said Montana Red Cross Donor Recruitment District Manager Carmen Madsen. “When Montana fans donate blood, everyone comes out on top.”

The end of year is historically a time when blood and platelet appointments drop, and the American Red Cross is encouraging donors to keep giving as a top priority. In Montana alone, the Red Cross provides blood products to over 30 hospitals and medical centers.

GRIZ FANS will have several opportunities to donate blood in November:

· November 11: Noon to 5 PM, Southgate Mall, 2901 Brooks St.

· November 13: 10 AM to 4 PM, University of Montana - James E. Todd Center, 32 Campus Drive

· November 14: 10 AM to 3:30 PM, University of Montana - James E. Todd Center, 32 Campus Drive

· November 15: 9 AM to 2:30 PM, University of Montana School of Pharmacy, 32 Campus Drive

University of Montana fans can make an appointment by visiting RedCrossBlood.org and entering the sponsor code GRIZCATCHALLENGE or by calling 800-RED-CROSS (800-733-2767).

BOBCAT FANS are encouraged to donate at these drives:

· November 6: 10 AM to 4 PM, Montana State University Student Union Building, 751 W. Grant St.

· November 7: 10 AM to 4 PM, Montana State University Student Union Building, 751 W. Grant St.

· November 12: 10 AM to 3:30 PM, Air Force ROTC at the Center for Campus Ministry, 714 S 8th Ave. Montana State fans can make an appointment by using the sponsor code CATGRIZCHALLENGE.

As an added incentive, anyone who donates at one of these drives will receive a free Red Cross Cat- Griz T-shirt (while supplies last), a $10 gift card by email and a chance to win a $7,000 prize.

A blood donation takes less than an hour from start to finish and can save more than one life. Donors can save time by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

There’s no better time to give, but if you’re not eligible to donate blood, you can still help keep hospital shelves stocked. Please consider volunteering as a blood donor ambassador. These volunteers welcome donors to Red Cross drives, help schedule their next appointment and make sure they have a good experience. To learn more, email IDMT.Recruiting@redcross.org.

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or facebook.com/redcrossmontana.