Student Leadership and Involvement (SLI), partnering with Order of Omega, will host Michigan Tech’s Spring 2026 blood drive. This blood drive is through the American Red Cross and will occur on Tuesday, Feb. 10, and Wednesday, Feb. 11. Donors can give blood from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the MUB ballroom.
This blood drive continues the biannual partnership with SLI and Order of Omega to help source blood for those in need. Michigan Tech’s campus blood drives have a strong history of impact in sourcing blood. Over the course of the 61 total blood drives Michigan Tech has hosted, over 11,428 units of blood have been collected. A total of 732 units were collected in the 2024-2025 school year alone. “Students should donate blood during the Red Cross Blood Drive because it is a simple way to support the health and well-being of our community. There is currently a severe blood shortage. Donors are also eligible for the Red Cross incentive, which is a $20 gift card to the merchant of their choice,” said SLI Director Danielle Meirow.
For first-time donors, the donation process is as streamlined and manageable as possible. The Red Cross estimates the full donation process to take about an hour. The process begins with registration, a health history, and a mini-physical. The actual blood donation takes less than 12 minutes. After donating, donors are required to rest for 10 to 15 minutes in the canteen area for refreshments before returning to normal activities.
Whole blood donors must be at least 17 years old, of good health, and weigh at least 110 pounds. Another donating method is Power Red, which is a process that collects double the red blood cells, but returns plasma, platelets, and saline to the donor. Male Power Red donors must be at least 17 years old, five-foot-one, and weigh 130 pounds. Female Power Red donors must be at least 19 years old, five-foot-five, and weigh 150 pounds. Whole blood donors can donate once every 56 days, and Power Red donors can donate every 112 days.
This year, the Red Cross is sending donors a limited-edition Red Cross x Metallica t-shirt for those interested. To receive the t-shirt, first donate blood through a scheduled appointment, and then complete the form at redcrossblood.org/local-homepage/events/metallica.
The Red Cross suggests scheduling an appointment by calling 1-800-733-2767 or visiting their website to keep the drive moving smoothly.
For more information, visit mtu.edu/student-leadership/service/blood-drives/
