The annual 100 Miles of Hope blood drive competition against Middle Tennessee State University returns to WKU Sept. 9-11 at the Preston Health and Activities Center.
The Red Cross is facing an emergency blood shortage. Over the past 20 years, the number of people donating blood through the Red Cross has decreased by about 40%, according to the official website of the American Red Cross.
Chris Massaro, MTSU director of athletics and longtime blood donor, launched the annual blood drive competition in 2010, the Cannon Courier states. The name “100 Miles of Hope” derives from the 100 miles of distance between the universities. This friendly rivalry has helped raise over 12,000 units of blood for the American Red Cross since its inception, according to MTSU’s Cannon Courier.
Grace Lartey, WKU public health professor and one of the event’s organizers, has helped organize the blood drive since 2021 after COVID-19 halted the competition in 2020. Lartey explained how donating blood “gives hope” and “saves lives” for many.
“We wanted people to really see the impacts of effort,” Lartey said. “We do this to bring hope and joy to families.”
Lartey said organizing, conducting and participating in this drive is a team effort. The blood drive is made possible through all the support from faculty, staff, students and the WKU community. WKU has won the competition five times since it started in 2010, according to Lartey.
The highest amount of blood WKU has raised was 606 units in 2012. WKU’s goal is to reach 675 units this year. Individuals who donate can win prizes and a free T-shirt. The winner of the 100 Miles of Hope Blood Drive will be announced at Floyd Stadium in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, during the half-time show at the WKU vs. MTSU football game on Sept. 14. The American Red Cross will present a trophy to the winning school, according to WKU Athletics.
Campus and community members are encouraged to schedule an appointment to donate toward the competition and cause. Appointments are available between 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. All blood types are needed. A blood donor card, driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals in good health who are at least 16 years old with parental consent and weigh at least 110 pounds are eligible to donate. Walk-in appointments are welcomed, but scheduled appointments are encouraged. Parking and donation details can be found online on the WKU Blood Drive page.
News Reporter Abigail Vickers can be reached at [email protected].
