Sept. 18, 2007 — Who wins the fifth annual “Bleed Red” blood drive competition between the University of Utah and Utah State University will depend on who bleeds the most during U’s Homecoming week. Taking place September 24-28, “Bleed Red” will hit Ute patriotism at its peak, giving Utah State a run for its 3-year wining streak.

The Utes won the big battle the first year of the friendly competition, but Utah State has taken home the trophy the last three years. This year U students are determined to win and bring home the title.

The “Bleed Red” competition is open to anyone who would like to donate blood. U students believe that with the help of alumni and fans they can beat Utah State this year, which has a goal of collecting 1,000 units of blood. To win, Ute fans will need to come out in force each day to defeat the Aggies.

“We want ‘Bleed Red’ to be a community event more than just a student event,” saYS ASUU Community Service Director Craig Hammond. “We want to raise awareness in the community about the importance of donating blood and saving lives at the local hospitals.”

Each donor will receive a “Bleed Red” t-shirt and be eligible to win prizes including an XBOX 360 or $50 gas card. One gas card will be given away each day during the blood drive.

Blood drive locations are listed on http://www.utahblood.org/. Donors unable to reach campus may donate at ARUP Blood Services in Murray or at Research Park in Salt Lake City during homecoming week and must indicate that the donation is for “Bleed Red.”

ARUP Blood Services will collect the blood for the University of Utah. All donations made at the U during homecoming will go to the University of Utah Hospital, Huntsman Cancer Hospital, Primary Children’s Medical Center or Shriners Hospital for Children. Of the 43 hospitals in Utah, these four hospitals use roughly 25 percent of the blood transfused in the state.

Donors should bring photo identification and plan to spend around 45 minutes to complete paper work, a mini-physical and give blood. To be eligible, participants must weigh at least 110 pounds, be 18 years old and be in generally good health.

The following are blood drive locations for “Bleed Red” at the University of Utah:

Monday, September 24 Union Center Ballroom, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Bookstore Sidewalk, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., bloodmobile

Tuesday, September 25 Salt Lake LDS Institute, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tanner Plaza, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., bloodmobile

Wednesday, September 26 Heritage Commons Room 1A & 1B, Noon to 6 p.m. Tanner Plaza, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., bloodmobile

Thursday, September 27 Union East Ballroom, 8 a.m. to 3p.m. Bookstore Sidewalk, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., bloodmobile

Friday, September 28 Union Saltair Room, 9 p.m. to Midnight (Crimson Nights) Bookstore Sidewalk, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., bloodmobile