Kenosha Reporter

The Kenosha Mayor’s Office will participate in the Abbott/Big Ten “We Give Blood Drive” competition, supporting the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The city is organizing a series of blood drives beginning August 27 at the Kenosha Museum. Donors who participate during the competition can receive a limited-edition Wisconsin T-shirt, while supplies last.

This marks the second year of the college rivalry-themed blood donation event, which seeks to address an ongoing national blood shortage. The Big Ten school with the highest number of donations between August 27 and December 5 will be awarded $1 million from Abbott for community or student health initiatives. Last year, UW-Madison finished in second place.

The campaign aims to encourage students, alumni, and fans to donate blood by leveraging school pride and competitive spirit among Big Ten institutions.

"Blood donations are a critical part of care in our communities and we’re proud to join Abbott and the Big Ten in supporting this unique and inspiring blood donation competition,” said David Bogdala, Mayor of Kenosha. “I know the community will step up to donate and will have a little fun supporting a Big Ten school in the process."

Mayor Bogdala and other city officials plan to attend the initial drive on August 27. Additional dates for local blood drives will be announced throughout the competition period.

Appointments for donating can be made online. Versiti Blood Center of Wisconsin will manage collections; donors must present photo identification, weigh at least 110 pounds, and not have donated within 56 days prior.

The initiative comes as younger donor numbers decline nationwide, contributing to one of the most significant U.S. blood shortages in recent memory. Organizers hope that tapping into collegiate rivalries will inspire new lifelong donors.

“With the nation facing persistent blood shortages, we knew we needed to do something bold to attract new life-long donors,” said Lou Morrone, Executive Vice President, Core Diagnostics at Abbott. “As a UW alum and Kenosha native, I know that the Kenosha community can make a great impact for its residents while also helping UW Madison take home the win.”

Blood donations support various medical needs such as trauma care, post-childbirth complications, and cancer treatments; each donation may help save up to three lives.

Locally donated blood has immediate impact through programs like those run by the Kenosha Fire Department, which is noted as being Wisconsin’s first fire-based EMS service carrying blood on all front-line ambulances. This allows paramedics to provide transfusions before reaching hospitals—a practice that could save lives within minutes after emergencies occur.

To log their donation for UW-Madison or another Big Ten school between August 27–December 5, eligible donors may give at any participating center nationwide then text “DONATE” to ABBOTT (222688) or visit BigTen.Org/Abbott for more information about eligibility requirements or finding local centers.

Results are updated live throughout the campaign on BigTen.Org/Abbott. The winning university will be announced December 6 during the Big Ten Championship Game in Indianapolis.