Carolina-Clemson’s 24th annual blood drive to be held Nov. 17-21

The University of South Carolina and Clemson University will hold the 24th annual Carolina-Clemson Blood Drive Nov. 17 – 21. Students, faculty, staff, alumni and fans are encouraged to donate blood at both campuses to boost blood supplies in the state and earn contest bragging rights.

Blood donations can be made Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. in the Russell House University Union ballroom or from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. in the bloodmobile, which will be located outside the Russell House on Greene Street. Bloodmobiles also will be available from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday at the Moore School of Business and at the same time on Friday at the Colonial Center.

No appointments are needed. Blood donors must be 17 or older, weigh at least 110 pounds, provide identification and be in generally good health.

All participants will receive a commemorative long-sleeved T-shirt and refreshments. The coveted blood drive trophy will be awarded to the winning team at the Carolina-Clemson football game Nov. 29 at Clemson.

“Our committees have been working very hard, alongside the American Red Cross, to make this year’s blood drive a great success,” said Erin Cota, Carolina’s chairman of the Carolina-Clemson Blood Drive. “Last year, we lost the competition by only a few pints, so it is important that everyone comes and gives blood to help us save lives and beat Clemson.”

The Carolina-Clemson Blood Drive is held annually the week before the Carolina-Clemson football game. The drive comes at a crucial time of the year, when supplies are low and many people are distracted by the busy holiday season. To date, the blood drive has collected 76,748 units of blood, potentially saving more than 230,000 lives. According to the Red Cross, one pint of blood may save up to three lives. Last year, the schools collected a record-breaking 6,692 units of blood.