Civil War Blood Drive Ninth Season Kick-Off

(Portland, Oregon) - For the ninth year, University of Oregon Ducks and Oregon State University Beavers are out for blood. The "Rivals for Life" competition is not just about football, it is about helping save lives. Last year, fans, students and alumni of both schools collectively cast over 8,388 ballots while donating units of blood and platelets to help patients.

This year, we challenge our alumni and friends across the state to help us exceed last year's total, because in this game everyone is a winner.

This is your chance to win tickets to the big game. Each participant who fills out a Civil War ballot will be entered to win two tickets to the Civil War football game in Corvallis. In addition, every presenting donor will receive a customized Civil War key chain, visit www.CivilWarBloodDrive.com for more information.

Between November 4 and November 20, UO and OSU fans, friends, students, parents and alumni will roll up their sleeves at blood drives around the state to give for a good cause. The top team will be announced and the winning alumni association will receive the coveted civil war trophy.

The Civil War campaign serves as an important public service and educational opportunity that the American Red Cross, Lane Memorial Blood Bank, University of Oregon and Oregon State University Alumni Associations promote.

"Of course I always want the Beavers to win, but the Civil War Blood Drive is one contest where Beavers battle Ducks and all of us win." Mike Riley, OSU Head Football Coach

"Our Ducks have secured wins against OSU on the football field two years in a row. Now this is the year for Duck fans to get a win for the Civil War Blood Drive!" Dan Rodriguez, Executive Director University of Oregon Alumni Association

The Civil War Blood Drive is a healthy competition and comes right before the holiday season, a time when maintaining an adequate blood inventory can be challenging. Blood and platelets have a limited shelf life and must be available when and where they are required to help save lives.

This is important because:
• Across the U.S., every 2 seconds someone needs a blood transfusion.
• Each blood donation can help save more than one life (a blood donation is separated into components and each component can be given to a different person).
• The Pacific Northwest region must collect over 5,000 units of blood and more than 700 units of platelets every week to supply the needs of hospital patients.

Call 1-800 RED CROSS…or in Lane County, call 541-484-9111 to schedule a blood donation at the nearest blood drive. For a listing of statewide American Red Cross blood drive locations visit www.nwblood.redcross.org.

To participate, donate blood or platelets during the ninth annual Civil War Blood Drive at any blood drive (platelet donation at specific sites only) from November 4–20 across the state of Oregon.

Blood Donors Must: Be healthy*, be at least 17 years old in most states, or 16 years old with parental consent if allowed by state law, weigh at least 110 lbs. (additional weight requirements apply for donors 18 years old and younger and all high school donors.) * Note: Healthy means that you feel well and can perform normal activities. If you have a chronic condition such as diabetes, healthy also means that you are being treated and the condition is under control.