The Red Cross Blood Mobile pulled into Drackett Hall's lobby yesterday, allowing Ohio State students to donate blood in the Beat Michigan Blood Drive Challenge.
"This is a great opportunity to put a fun and competitive twist on a great cause," said Doug Eck, the hall director for Drackett Tower and Neilwood Gables Residence Halls. "We hope that 25 to 30 percent of the approximate 450 students participated this year."
The Red Cross was responsible for distributing advertisements and marketing information but the staff at Drackett Tower provided a helping hand.
"We went floor to floor trying to sign up students to donate," Eck said. "We related donating blood to voting, it is like you are doing your part in society."
This event would not be successful without the participation of the students.
"I have given blood three to four times because I have (type) O negative and they always are looking for O blood types to donate," said Lauren McBride, a sophomore in international business. "The competition never entered my mind when I was deciding to donate, but if it gets football fans to donate then that is great."
Donating blood is often referred to as the gift of life.
"You can save up to three lives by just giving blood," McBride said. "If that is not enough reason to give then I don't know what is."
However, some people are hesitant to give blood for several reasons.
"People are afraid of needles and think that it will hurt," said Irene Dickert, a registered nurse and charge nurse for the Blood Mobile. "But once we explain that it will pinch a bit when the needle goes in and then you have little pain, people understand."
The goal of the mobile is to be able to supply the hospital with a three-day supply.
"We got off to a slow start because of classes this morning but our goal was 35 pints," Dickert said. "We have 29 students signed up and each person can give one pint, but some are unable to donate."
The purpose of this drive is not only to collect blood but to beat University of Michigan in a standing competition.
"You get a good feeling from giving blood and there usually is a personal connection when people make the decision," Dickert said. "But some people find the personal connection because they are helping their team win."
However, everyone that gives blood on OSU's campus does not count it for the Buckeyes.
"I have seen some people give and then count it for Michigan," Dickert said. "Then I learned that historically the team who wins the blood drive loses the game."
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