Iowa Athletics Competes For $1 Million in Abbott, Big Ten's ‘We Give Blood’ Drive

IOWA CITY, Iowa -- The University of Iowa Athletics Department is proud to join forces with Abbott and the Big Ten Conference in the second annual “We Give Blood” drive competition, uniting to help tackle one of the nations' most urgent health challenges. The competition aims to encourage a new generation of blood donors and while saving thousands of lives along the way.

Someone needs blood every 2 seconds, yet some blood centers have less than a 1-day supply available. The need for blood is constant whether for trauma victims, mothers experiencing complications after childbirth, or individuals receiving cancer treatment. As people get older, they become less likely to be eligible to donate blood. At the same time, the number of young people donating blood has been falling in recent years. But Abbott, the Big Ten Conference and Iowa along with multimedia rightsholders Learfield and Hawkeye Sports Properties are calling on students, fans and alumni to change that.

“Giving blood is the prime example of how Hawkeyes help Hawkeyes,” said Mandy McClenahan at University of Iowa Health Care DeGowin Blood Center. “Every blood donation can save multiple lives, but we need more people to donate. We need Hawkeyes across the state and U.S. to come together to show how we bleed black and gold.”

“Hawkeye Nation — it’s time to rise up and make a difference! The ‘We Give Blood’ competition isn’t just about school pride, it’s about saving lives. Every drop of blood donated by our students, alumni, and fans brings us closer to winning $1 million to boost health right here in our community,” said Beth Goetz, Henry B. and Patricia B. Tippie Director of Athletics Chair. “Let’s turn our passion into purpose, show the Big Ten what Iowa is made of, and flood the leaderboard with Hawkeye heart. Step up, roll up your sleeves, and let’s win this — together!”

So show up and donate this 2025 season, rep your Hawkeye pride and save lives!

To participate in the competition, Iowa students, fans and alumni can donate anytime between Aug. 27-Dec. 5 at blood drives or blood centers across the U.S.

In the Iowa City area, you can make an appointment to donate at one of DeGowin’s blood drives or at their hospital-based donation center where your donation will go directly to UI Health Care patients. 

This year’s competition brings even more chances for Iowa Athletics to ignite school spirit and inspire first time donors. People who show up to donate and log their donation during the competition – including on national fan holiday College Colors Day on Aug. 29 – can receive an exclusive, limited-edition Iowa T-shirt designed by Homefield.*

Make Your Donation Count 

Logging a donation for Iowa is easier than ever. After you donate, you can submit your donation at bigten.org/abbott or text “DONATE” to ABBOTT (222688).

The winner of the “We Give Blood” drive will be announced at the Big Ten Championship Game on Dec. 6 in Indianapolis. The winning school will receive $1 million from Abbott to advance student or community health. Donations will be tracked on a live leaderboard throughout the campaign.

Let’s roll up our sleeves and show what it means for the Hawkeyes.