University of Wisconsin Wins Abbott and Big Ten's 'We Give Blood' Competition as Campaign Donations Surge 319%, Helping Save Nearly 250,000 Lives
Rhea-AI Summary
Abbott (NYSE: ABT) and the Big Ten reported that the second annual "We Give Blood" drive (Aug. 27–Dec. 5, 2025) produced 83,043 donations, a 319% increase versus 2024, and could help save up to 250,000 lives. The University of Wisconsin led with 15,476 donations and will receive a $1 million Abbott award to advance student or community health. Student donors rose 168%, with 92% of participants saying they are likely to donate again. The campaign aimed to address a national blood shortage and boost younger donor participation.
Positive
- Total donations reached 83,043
- Overall participation rose 319% year-over-year
- University of Wisconsin secured $1,000,000 award
- Student donor participation increased 168%
Negative
- Nation facing the worst blood shortage in a generation
- Donations among 19–24 year-olds fell by nearly one-third
Key Figures
Market Reality Check
Peers on Argus
Ahead of this news, ABT was down 0.26% with below-average volume, while key device peers like BSX (-0.54%), SYK (-0.41%), MDT (-0.73%), and EW (-0.14%) also showed mild declines and SNN gained 0.36%, suggesting a modest mixed sector tone rather than a strong, coordinated move.
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 04 | Product launch | Positive | +0.1% | Launch of two Ensure Max Protein shakes targeting muscle health segments. |
| Nov 20 | Major acquisition | Positive | -1.7% | Agreement to acquire Exact Sciences for cash, expanding cancer diagnostics. |
| Nov 04 | Brand partnership | Neutral | +1.6% | HeartMates community featured in Hallmark holiday movie to raise awareness. |
| Oct 15 | Earnings results | Positive | -2.9% | Q3 results with higher sales, strong devices growth, reaffirmed guidance. |
| Sep 24 | Earnings call scheduling | Neutral | -1.5% | Announcement of timing and access details for Q3 earnings conference call. |
Recent history shows ABT shares often declined on fundamentally strong financial or M&A news, while more brand- or community-focused announcements coincided with modest gains or flat trading.
Over the last few months, Abbott reported solid Q3 2025 results with $11.37B sales and reaffirmed full-year guidance, but the stock fell 2.87% the next day. A planned acquisition of Exact Sciences for about $21B equity value and an estimated $23B enterprise value also saw shares down 1.73%. In contrast, brand- and community-oriented news like the HeartMates Hallmark partnership and the Ensure Max Protein launch saw small positive or near-flat moves. Today’s blood-donation campaign fits this community-impact pattern more than a core financial catalyst.
Market Pulse Summary
This announcement underscores Abbott’s use of sports partnerships to support public health, with the Big Ten campaign generating 83,043 donations, a 319% participation increase, and an award of $1 million to the University of Wisconsin. In the past six months, similarly brand- and community-oriented news has accompanied modest or limited price changes compared with sharper moves around earnings and M&A. Investors may watch how Abbott continues linking its brand to large-scale health initiatives alongside its core financial performance.
AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.
- University of
Wisconsin wins Abbott and the Big Ten Conference's "We Give Blood" drive, awards$1 million - Second year of nationwide blood drive saw a
319% increase in overall participation with 83,043 donations and a168% jump in student donors compared to 2024 - Big Ten students, alumni, and fans helped save up to 250,000 lives during the college football season
- A recent 'We Give Blood' survey found
92% of participants are very likely to donate again, a promising sign for building a sustainable blood supply for years to come
ABBOTT PARK, Ill. and
The University of
"This year's competition not only helped to save a record-breaking number of lives, but it also showed the power of using sports for good with all schools increasing their participation from year one," said Robert B. Ford, chairman and chief executive officer, Abbott. "We are proud of the students, alumni, and fans who united to make a lasting impact on the blood supply, and we hope this spirit continues well beyond the season."
Blood donations are essential in many medical situations, including for trauma patients, accident victims, cancer patients, mothers facing complications before, during, and after childbirth, and premature babies. In the
"This life-saving partnership demonstrates the tremendous passion of the Big Ten community," said Tony Petitti, commissioner, Big Ten Conference. "We're proud to help activate our fans from coast-to-coast in support of such a valuable mission and excited for the opportunity to honor the University of
The national blood donor pool is aging and shrinking, creating an urgent need for younger donors. Blood donations among 19- to 24-year-olds have fallen by nearly one-third in recent years. This makes college students a critical audience for the "We Give Blood" drive, and results show the message is working. Nearly
"I am incredibly proud of our Badger community for showing up with generosity, compassion, and fantastic teamwork," said Jennifer Mnookin, chancellor, University of
This year's competition offered people more reasons to participate:
- Student ambassadors championed the "We Give Blood" cause at every Big Ten university, bringing together Greek life, student governments, registered student organizations, university leadership and local blood centers to have the biggest impact.
- Abbott and the Big Ten also hosted 12 "We Give Blood" Weekly One-Up Challenges. These mini competitions tapped into collegiate rivalries, pitting two Big Ten schools against each other to see which could show up to donate the most blood during the week. In addition to saving lives, donors from the winning school received a chance to win select memorable campus experiences offered by the universities.
The "We Give Blood" competition ran throughout the college football season, from Aug. 27 through Dec. 5. Donation totals were tracked live and the final results are available at BigTen.Org/Abbott.
Participants donated blood on campuses and at
"The competition may be over, but the need for blood never ends," said Ford. "We encourage everyone to make blood donation a regular habit and help save lives year-round, ensuring a sustainable blood supply for years to come."
People can find a place to donate blood near them at BigTen.Org/Abbott.
About the Big Ten Conference:
The Big Ten Conference is an association of world-class universities whose member institutions share a common mission of research, graduate, professional and undergraduate teaching and public service. Founded in 1896, the Big Ten has sustained a comprehensive set of shared practices and policies that enforce the priority of academics in the lives of students competing in intercollegiate athletics and emphasize the values of integrity, fairness and competitiveness. The Big Ten Conference sponsors 28 official sports, 14 for men and 14 for women, and the broad-based programs of the 18 Big Ten institutions provide direct financial support for more than 14,000 student-athletes. For more information, visit BigTen.org.
About Abbott:
Abbott (NYSE: ABT) is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 114,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries. Connect with us at abbott.com and on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.
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FAQ
What did Abbott (ABT) and the Big Ten announce about the 2025 We Give Blood drive?
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