The U of A Blood Drive Committee, a division of the Associated Student Government (ASG) and the Volunteer Action Center (VAC), looks to unite Northwest Arkansas in addressing the local and national blood shortage as it hosts the 2024 Fall Kick-Off Blood Drive.

U of A senior and chair of the Blood Drive Committee, Ahmed Tolba, is excited to build upon last year's success. 

"Our Winter Tip-Off Blood Drive last semester collected 899 units of blood from 1,123 presenting donors, enough blood to save nearly 2,700 lives and make it the largest Arkansas Blood Drive in around 15 years," Tolba said. "This time around, we hope to kick off the school year strong and set the pace for next semester's drive early on. Every moment spent planning this event with this amazing team has honestly just filled me with pure excitement and a sense of purpose. From sketching out T-shirt designs to calling local companies for sponsorships, each step was a reminder of the impact being created for under-resourced communities and areas without access to sufficient blood."

The Blood Drive Committee also hopes events like these can bring Arkansans closer together. John David, a junior on the committee, said he believes that "[their] ultimate goal is to save as many lives as possible, while simultaneously increasing the health literacy of [their] campus and Arkansas." 

Donating blood can sometimes feel scary. That's why they will be streaming Arkansas Razorback Football reruns, playing trivia games for prizes and handing out snacks and drinks throughout the drive. 

"We just want to create the most warm and welcoming environment possible for our donors," Tolba said. "Yes, we want to get as much blood as possible, but we also want to make sure this is not a chore but a genuinely fun and enjoyable experience for everyone involved."

Make sure to eat well and drink water the night before and the day of donating and join the Blood Drive Committee in saving lives! The blood drive will be held in the Arkansas Union Verizon Ballroom from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 2. All donors will receive two service hours (three for power red donations), free Chick-Fil-A and pizza, a free custom designed Razorback T-shirt, a $10 Amazon e-gift card and a chance to win prizes donated by community sponsors! Donors may register here.