Once again, Nebraskans are proving that small states can make big impacts.
The University of Nebraska–Lincoln earned a second-place finish in the 2025 Abbott and Big Ten Conference “We Give Blood Drive” challenge, a nationwide effort to boost blood donations and build a pipeline of lifelong donors across college campuses. Wisconsin took top honors with 15,476 donations.
This was the second year of the “We Give Blood Drive” challenge, sponsored by the Big Ten Conference and Abbott, a global health care company. Nebraska won the 2024 competition.
Blood donations remain urgently needed nationwide for trauma patients, cancer treatments, childbirth complications and premature babies. With some centers reporting less than a one-day supply, the “We Give Blood” drive challenge turns school pride into life-saving action at a time of critical need.
Though one of the smallest schools in the Big Ten, Nebraska made an outsized impact during the challenge. From Aug. 27 to Dec. 5, thousands of students, faculty, staff and Nebraskans rolled up their sleeves and made an impactful 14,551 donations. With each donation providing blood for up to three patients, these donations will contribute to saving as many as 43,653 lives.
The 2025 campaign led to a 15% increase in first-time donors through the Nebraska Community Blood Bank, compared to the same period in 2024. The effort reflects the strong spirit of service that defines Nebraska and the willingness of Huskers to show up for one another when it matters most.
“Our university exists to serve,” said Dr. Jeffrey P. Gold, president of the NU system. “This remarkable achievement speaks volumes about the heart of our students and the generosity of our state.”
Nationwide, the 2025 “We Give Blood” drive challenge is estimated to have saved nearly 250,000 lives.
While the competition has concluded, the need for blood remains constant. The University of Nebraska encourages all Nebraskans to continue donating and sharing the message that giving blood saves lives.
Learn more here.
