For immediate release: Nov. 16, 2011

Contact Gary Kimsey, 970.495.7427, glk@pvhs.org

On November 18, members of the public will have the opportunity to take one for the team in a bloody border war that has become a tradition.

For the effort, they'll receive a free tee shirt, ice cream and other grub.

On Friday--a little more than two weeks before the December 3 football Border War between Colorado State University and University of Wyoming--the public can donate blood in the 5th annual Border Blood War between the Garth Englund Blood Center in Fort Collins and the United Blood Center in Cheyenne.

"This Border War helps us avoid shortages of blood," said Dan Bolchen, Garth Englund team leader. "We appreciate the public's support during this friendly competition."

The outcome of the Border Blood War--won by Garth Englund during the first four years--is determined by which blood center receives the highest number of donations during this week. The week began for Garth Englund phlebotomists with an employee blood drive at Poudre Valley Hospital, which operates Garth Englund, and continued during the next three days at the USDA office, Advanced Micro Devices and Larimer County government offices.

Friday is the last day to donate, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Garth Englund's bloodmobile will be parked outside of the McGraw Athletic Center on Shields St. at the west side of the CSU campus. A donor room will also be set up in the trophy room in the McGraw Center.

Each donor will receive a Border Blood War tee shirt, while the supply lasts, and coupons for free Ben and Jerry's ice cream, Culver's custard, and Wendy's food, as well as a free exam for patients new to Haas Chiropractic in Fort Collins.

The prize for winning the donation competition is a bronzed trophy that resembles a heart. Garth Englund collects blood donations for use in caring for patients of Poudre Valley Hospital and Medical Center of the Rockies.

For more information: Garth Englund Blood Center, 495-8965.