Abbott and Big Ten Revive Blood Drive Amid U.S. Supply Crisis
Event summary
- Abbott and the Big Ten Conference relaunched 'We Give Blood' drive to combat a national blood supply crisis, with donations at a four-year summer low.
- The competition runs from August 12 to December 4, 2026, with $1 million awarded to the winning school for health initiatives.
- Nearly one-third of student donors in previous years were first-time contributors, addressing the aging donor population.
- Previous winners used prize money for mental health support, wellness programs, and community health projects.
The big picture
The 'We Give Blood' drive addresses a critical gap in the U.S. blood supply, where nearly a quarter of donations come from individuals over 65. Abbott's partnership with the Big Ten leverages school pride to create a new generation of donors, ensuring long-term sustainability for hospitals and patients relying on transfusions.
What we're watching
- Donor Recruitment
- Whether Abbott and the Big Ten can sustain long-term donor recruitment among college-aged students.
- Supply Sustainability
- The pace at which the initiative can address the gap left by an aging donor population.
- Competition Impact
- How the rivalry-driven model will affect blood donation rates beyond the Big Ten community.