The University of Arkansas Blood Drive Committee, a division of the Associated Student Government and the Volunteer Action Center, looks to unite Northwest Arkansas in addressing the local and national blood shortage as it hosts the 2025 Winter Tip-Off Blood Drive.

The blood drive will be held in the Arkansas Union Verizon Ballroom from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, Feb. 4-7. Those interested in being donors may sign up for a time to donate.

 "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," said Ahmed Tolba, chair of the blood drive committee. 

Tolba and the committee members are excited to build upon last year's success.

"This time around, we hope to kick off the semester strong and ride the momentum from last year," Tolba said. "Working with this team to host these events never gets old. From sketching out t-shirt designs to calling local companies for sponsorships, everything we do, we do because we know how great of an impact is 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 "the ultimate goal is to save as many lives as possible, while simultaneously increasing the health literacy of our 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. Yes, we want to collect blood, but we also want to make sure this is not a chore but a genuinely fun and enjoyable experience for everyone involved," Tolba said.

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 hosted in the Arkansas Union Verizon Ballroom from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, Feb. 4-7. All donors will receive 2 service hours (3 for power red donations), free pizza and snacks, a free custom designed razorback t-shirt, a $15 Amazon e-gift card, and a chance to win prizes donated by community sponsors! Donors may register here.