Montana Red Cross hosts Cat-Griz Blood Battle

As MSU gets fired up for the annual Cat-Griz football game, another competition is underway —  the Cat-Griz Blood Battle, hosted by the Montana Red Cross. 

This November, the University is hosting four blood drives. The first two took place in the Strand Union Building on Nov. 5 and 6, and two more will be hosted at the Center for Campus Ministry on Nov. 13 and 19 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

There will also be four blood drives held at UM. Whichever university collects the most units of blood throughout the month will be crowned the winner.

Last year, the Bobcats secured their third consecutive victory, collecting 115 units to UM’s 95, according to the Red Cross.

“It’s just a way to engage more students around the excitement of the football game and encourage folks to come out and donate life-saving blood,” said Matt Ochsner, regional communications director for the American Red Cross in Greater Idaho and Montana. “There will be a series of blood drives both in Bozeman and Missoula, and it’s an opportunity to see which fan base can help save the most lives.”

The Montana Red Cross supplies blood to more than 30 hospitals statewide, helping patients with cancer, trauma injuries and complicated births, Ochsner said.

“Every two seconds, somebody in this country needs life-saving blood,” he said. “There is no substitute for it. The only way it’s available to hospitals and patients is through the generosity of blood donors.”

Ochsner recalled a Bozeman family whose daughter, Bertie, needed blood immediately after birth. “Had that blood not been available in her first hours of life, that little girl probably wouldn’t be with us today,” he said. 

Bertie is now four years old, and her family hosts an annual blood drive to recognize the donations that saved her life, according to Ochsner.

Kristi Jackson, associate director for Medical Services at MSU’s Student Wellness Center, said that having a blood drive on campus allows students to have an immediate impact on the community.

“When the students are here on campus — nearly 18,000 of them —  it really can mobilize a huge population surge for donation,” Jackson said. “When we harness the energy of a good rivalry to help patients while filling the blood bank, it’s a win for everybody.”

Jackson said that one donation can save multiple lives because it’s separated into red blood cells, plasma and platelets. “Your donation might be helping several different patients with different conditions,” she said.

She also addressed common misconceptions about eligibility. “People think tattoos, piercings or prescription medications disqualify them, but that’s not true,” Jackson said. “Everyone is screened case-by-case, and most people are eligible. The process takes about an hour, and you should feel fine if you stay hydrated and eat beforehand.”

Even those who can’t donate can still make a difference, Jackson said. “If you can’t give blood yourself, be a voice for it and encourage your friends and family to donate.”

Allie Kuntz, a local firefighter-paramedic volunteer and MSU senior studying business management, said blood donation has both personal and professional importance for her.

Kuntz has been donating for several years and said her work on emergency scenes has shown her the impact of each donation. “I’ve seen patients survive because someone took 30 minutes out of their day to give blood,” she said. “It’s powerful to watch that happen.”

Kuntz said she sees the Cat-Griz Blood Battle as a great way to blend school spirit with a meaningful cause.

“The rivalry always brings out so much pride and passion,” she said. “Channeling that energy into something that directly helps people is super cool.”

Kuntz also offered advice for first-time donors. “It’s normal to feel nervous, but don’t let that stop you,” she said. “College is all about stepping into new things and finding ways to give back. This is a great place to start.”

Only about three percent of Americans donate blood, Ochsner said. “We’re asking students to roll up their sleeves, raise their hands and help Montana patients in need.”

To schedule an appointment to donate blood at the Center for Campus Ministry on Nov. 13 or 19, visit https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/donation-time and search “59715.”