Results: The University Record
UMSOD has garnered two articles in The University Record, which is the UM faculty paper, since 2006. I have included the full text and screencaps of each article as well as links to their online versions. The most recent article is listed first.
Link: http://www.ur.umich.edu/0708/Nov05_07/11.shtml
Organizers plea: Donate for U-M/OSU blood rivalry
By Jillian Bogater
Faculty, staff and students can help extend the celebrated rivalry between U-M and Ohio State, not just on the football field but also in donating blood during the 26th annual Blood Battle Nov. 5 (today) -16.
In the same rivalry spirit, the University's Students for Organ Donation (SOD) chapter has teamed up with Gift of Life Michigan to beat the Ohio State Buckeyes through signed organ donor registrations.
Organizers ask those who never have given blood to consider making a donation, and remind loyal donors that now would be a great time to give the gift of life once again. They also urge donors to eat iron-rich foods and drink lots of water before donating.
This year's U-M Blood Battle Chairs are Brian Talpos, Caitie Hill, Jessica Schneider and Michael Diamond. U-M administrators overseeing the event are E. Royster Harper, vice president for student affairs, and Dr. Robert Kelch, executive vice president for medical affairs.
In 2006, the first year an interstate organ donor drive competition was added to the fall schedule, the Buckeyes claimed the trophy on their home turf with more than 3,000 registrations. This year, SOD hopes to see the trophy make its way back to the Big House Nov. 17.
"The Challenge for Life is a great opportunity to compete against a rival school and help save lives in the process," says Christy Hammond, a U-M student and member of the SOD chapter. "In 2006, I had a tissue transplant and it drastically improved my quality of life. It is upsetting to see people dying daily because they could not receive a life-saving transplant in time. I encourage students, alumni, staff and fans to help U-M give the gift of life and beat OSU."
For information on how to participate in the organ drive, go to www.showusyourheart.com.
To take part in the Blood Battle, go to the Red Cross link on the Blood Battle Web page, www.givelife.org, and enter the sponsor code "goblue."
Link: http://www.ur.umich.edu/0607/Nov06_06/20.shtml
Buckeyes blasting Blue in organ-donor bout
By Record Staff and Jennifer Tislerics, Gift of Life of Michigan
In a spirit similar to that of the annual U-M/Ohio State University Blood Battle, which also is under way, the two rival campuses are competing in yet another challenge aimed at saving lives?this time in a contest to see which school can sign up more people as potential organ donors.
Currently the Buckeyes have recruited four times as many organ donors to their state's registry as the Wolverines, says Christy Hammond, undergraduate in kinesiology and public relations co-chair of U-M Students for Organ Donation, who thought up the challenge. With fewer than three weeks before the friendly competition ends, the student organization is making every effort to promote the Michigan Organ Donor Registry across campus.
The first annual competition ends at noon Nov. 17; the winner will be announced during the football game in Columbus the next day.
Every student, faculty member, employee and supporter of the University can sign up to donate life and help the Wolverines win the competition, organizers say. Those who already have signed up on the state's donor registry can register again so that credit will go to the Wolverines.
To register, go to www.giftoflifemichigan.org/goblue and click on the "Sign Up Now!" hyperlink. U-M supporters are encouraged to send e-mails to families, friends and classmates, inviting them to sign up as well. There are no restrictions on who can sign up on the Michigan Organ Donor Registry. No age limit, medical condition or residency status prevents signing up to donate life, organizers say. Donor eligibility is based on the medical criteria given at the time of registry.
There are 77 organ transplants each day in the United States, but there are not enough organs available for the 93,000 U.S. patients currently waiting for a transplant.
Students for Organ Donation and Gift of Life Michigan are partnering with the American Red Cross, making organ donor registry brochures available during the annual Blood Battle competition. Blood donations are vital during organ transplant surgeries. Recruiters also will be handing out literature and answering questions in the cafeterias of South Quadrangle, 4:30-7:30 p.m. Nov.13; Bursley Hall, 4:30-7:30 p.m. Nov. 14; Couzens Hall, 5-7 p.m. Nov. 15, and Stockwell Hall, 5-7:30 p.m. Nov. 15.
For more information about organ and tissue donation or to sign up on the Gift of Life Organ, Tissue & Eye Donor Registry, call (800) 482-4881 or go to the Web site.