University of Wisconsin Triumphs in Abbott and Big Ten “We Give Blood” Contest as Donations Jump 319%, Saving Nearly 250,000 Lives

• University of Wisconsin wins Abbott and the Big Ten Conference’s “We Give Blood” competition and receives $1 million from Abbott to support student‑ and community‑health initiatives.
• The second‑year nationwide drive posted a 319% jump in total participation, delivering 83,043 donations and a 168% surge in student donors versus 2024.
• Big Ten students, alumni and fans collectively helped save up to 250,000 lives during the college‑football season.
• A post‑campaign survey showed 92% of participants are very likely to give blood again, indicating a strong foundation for a sustainable supply.

ABBOTT PARK, Ill. and INDIANAPOLIS, Dec. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Amid the nation’s most severe blood shortage in a generation, the University of Wisconsin mobilized Big Ten students, fans and alumni, clinching the Abbott‑Big Ten “We Give Blood” title and driving 15,476 donations that could translate into 46,428 lives saved. Overall contributions surged 319% over the previous year, underscoring a rapid escalation of effort to address the chronic shortfall.

The Badger community edged out the 2024 champion, the University of Nebraska, in a tightly contested race and will receive $1 million from Abbott to fund health‑oriented programs. The conference tallied 83,043 donations—potentially saving up to 250,000 lives, given each unit can help three patients. Rivalries such as Ohio State vs. Michigan kept the competition fierce, driving higher engagement across campuses.

“This year’s competition not only saved a record‑breaking number of lives, it also demonstrated the power of sport‑driven philanthropy,” said Robert B. Ford, chairman and chief executive officer of Abbott. “We are proud of the students, alumni and fans who united for a lasting impact on the blood supply, and we expect this momentum to extend well beyond the football season.”

Blood products are critical for trauma care, oncology, obstetrics and neonatal intensive care. In the United States, a unit of blood is needed every two seconds, highlighting the urgency of replenishing dwindling inventories.

Tony Petitti, commissioner of the Big Ten Conference, added, “The partnership showcases the deep commitment of the Big Ten community. Activating fans from coast to coast for this mission validates the social responsibility that collegiate athletics can embody. We look forward to celebrating Wisconsin’s achievement at the 2025 Discover Big Ten Football Championship Game.”

Demographically, the donor pool is aging, and donations from 19‑ to 24‑year‑olds have dropped by nearly one‑third in recent years. College campuses are therefore pivotal recruitment grounds. The campaign’s data reveal that 37% of student donors made their first donation because of the initiative, and more than 90% say they intend to donate again.

University of Wisconsin‑Madison Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin said, “I am incredibly proud of our Badger community for showing up with generosity, compassion and teamwork. Together with the Big Ten and Abbott, we are saving lives and reinforcing the Wisconsin Idea’s legacy of public service.”

This year’s competition offered multiple engagement layers:

• Student ambassadors coordinated with Greek life, student governments, registered student organizations, university leadership and local blood centers to maximize impact.
• Abbott and the Big Ten staged 12 “Weekly One‑Up Challenges,” pairing two schools in head‑to‑head donation races. Winners earned exclusive campus experiences, adding a competitive incentive to the life‑saving effort.

The “We Give Blood” drive ran from Aug. 27 through Dec. 5, aligning with the college‑football calendar. Real‑time donation totals were displayed on the Big Ten’s campaign portal, and participants logged donations via campus drives or partner blood centers nationwide, uploading proof through the website or text messaging.

“The competition may be over, but the need for blood never ends,” Ford emphasized. “We encourage everyone to make donating a regular habit, ensuring a resilient supply chain for years to come.”

For those seeking a donation site, the campaign’s portal provides a locator tool.

About the Big Ten Conference:

The Big Ten Conference comprises 18 world‑class research universities committed to academic excellence, public service and athletic competition. Founded in 1896, the conference sponsors 28 varsity sports and supports more than 14,000 student‑athletes. Its member institutions collaborate on shared policies that prioritize education and uphold integrity, fairness and competitive spirit.

About Abbott:

Abbott (NYSE: ABT) is a global health‑care leader delivering life‑changing technologies across diagnostics, medical devices, nutrition and branded generic medicines. With 114,000 employees serving over 160 countries, Abbott’s portfolio supports patients at every stage of life, from early‑stage diagnostics that accelerate blood‑type matching to advanced device solutions that improve transfusion safety.