About The Civil War Blood Drive

The Civil War Blood Drives started in 2002 as a partnership between the American Red Cross, Lane Memorial Blood Bank (now the Lane Blood Center), Oregon State University Alumni Association and the University of Oregon Alumni Association.

This friendly rivalry between fans, students and alumni of University of Oregon and Oregon State University was intended to invoke a spirit of competition and community spirit to bolster the community blood supply.

Since it's inception, these 'Rivals For Life' have continued to make sure that blood is available to patients in need. In its ten-year history, fans, students and alumni of both schools have collectively donated more than 60,000 units of blood (8,385 in 2010) to help patients during the two-week drive.

The Need Is Constant

Blood collected during the Civil War campaign allows local hospitals to be ready when the need for blood occurs. Each winter donations typically decline in the holiday season as vacations become popular. Additionally, Oregon is known for occasional winter storms that can cause power outages, dangerous road conditions, blood drive cancellations, and a reduction of available blood donors. Donors who give through this campaign, and throughout the year, help to ensure that community blood supplies are available when needed.