Last year alone, his staff prepared more than 35,000 red blood cell transfusions, more than 57,600 units of platelets, and about 11,800 units of plasma, from blood donated via the Red Cross throughout Michigan. This year, he hopes that U-M fans will come through with even more donations than before, and then make a habit of donating so they can help keep the supply coming.

He notes that even though a unit of blood can be kept for up to 42 days unfrozen, and almost a decade frozen, the nation's 5,000 hospitals go through it much faster than that. "We almost never have blood go out-of-date, because we need it and we use it," he says.

Before Sept. 11, the U.S. blood supply was often enough for only two to three days, and locally sometimes dipped down to a one-day supply. U-M tries to maintain a two-day supply of blood products at all times, using blood obtained from the Red Cross and processed in the lab.

The recent disaster may have yielded many first-time donors, but their continued support will be needed to overcome the shortages of the past, says Davenport. He advises donors to keep up their giving spirit by remembering that there's someone in need of their blood right now.

"The most important thing is that you're doing something for the community, and you're doing something for a specific individual," he says. "You certainly don't have to wait for a special drive to give - there's a need every day, and there's a blood drive every day in your community."

Those whose loved ones, friends or colleagues have been in car crashes, had surgery or faced cancer can find even more reason to give, because those people benefited from the blood donations of others. In other words, Davenport says, with every donation, "You're helping out not only people that you don't know, but you're also helping people that you probably do know."

For those who still haven't donated, but are thinking about making an appointment to help the U-M win the Blood Battle and keep up the nation's supply, Davenport offers reassurance about how easy and low-risk the process is.

"The actual blood drawing process is very simple - there's a needle stick and it burns for about half a second, but then it's over. Stubbing your toe is much worse," he laughs. And the process has been made more risk-free than ever for both donors and recipients.

It will take every drop of maize-and-blue blood to beat OSU, but U-M football coach Lloyd Carr has faith in U-M fans. "A Wolverine can give more blood than a Buckeye!," says Carr.

As for Davenport, the U-M Medical School graduate is rooting for his alma mater both on and off the field. "I'm certain the U-M will win the Blood Battle, and as for the game, there's no question: it's U-M all the way!"

Facts about the U-M vs. OSU Blood Battle, and blood donation:

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