Donate blood to help patients in need, ensure Gamecocks win 39th Annual Blood Battle
November 8, 2023
This November, The University of South Carolina needs the support of students, faculty, alumni and fans to win the 39th annual Carolina-Clemson Blood Battle. The blood drive competition is set for Monday, November 13 through Friday, November 17, from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Eligible blood donors of all types are encouraged to make an appointment to give at a donation site on campus by visiting redcrossblood.org and using sponsor code “GAMECOCKS”.
Every year, The Carolina-Clemson Blood Battle is held before the South Carolina Gamecocks and Clemson Tigers face off for the highly anticipated Palmetto Bowl. While USC athletes and fans hope for a victory again on the field this year, the blood battle also brings hope for a win for patients. Since 1984, the blood drive challenge has yielded nearly 120,000 units of blood to support those battling cancer, undergoing transplant surgery, and other patients in need.
The Tigers won the 2022 blood drive competition. With the support of blood donors, the Gamecocks have a chance to take this year’s trophy back to USC where it belongs. The winning school will be acknowledged at the 2023 Carolina-Clemson football game on November 25th at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia.
All presenting blood donors at USC will receive a commemorative long-sleeve T-shirt plus a pair of officially licensed Elf and American Red Cross socks, while supplies last. Appointments are encouraged, but walk-ins are also welcome at any of the following locations:
- Russell House (Monday – Friday 10 am – 6 pm)
1400 Greene St., Columbia, SC 29208 - Close Hipp Building (Monday – Friday 10 am – 6 pm)
1705 College St., Columbia, SC 29208 - Campus Village (Tuesday – Friday 10 am – 6 pm)
1531 Whaley St., Columbia, SC 29208
In November, the American Red Cross urges blood donors of all types and those who have never given before to book a time to give blood or platelets and help protect the blood supply from dropping further this fall. This time of year is traditionally hard on the nation’s blood supply. Seasonal illness, winter weather and the upcoming holidays often lead to lower appointment numbers and decreased donor turnout, making it hard to keep up with the demand for blood products.
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
Blood donors can now save time at their next donation by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, prior to arriving at the blood drive. To get started and learn more, visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit RedCross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or follow us on Twitter at @RedCross.
