GHI Associate Director Strategic Partnerships & Development, Calyn Ostrowski, with her two children (photo courtesy C. Ostrowski)
By Kendall Buehl, GHI Staffer…For Calyn Ostrowski, Associate Director, Strategic Partnerships & Development, UW–Madison Global Health Institute (GHI), The We Give Blood Drive by Abbott and the Big Ten is deeply personal.
Just last year, Ostrowski underwent a routine, yet necessary surgery. After unexpected complications arose, she was in desperate need of blood transfusions. Thankfully, the resources she needed were quickly accessible by her hospital. Now, she reflects on her experience with gratitude for donors.
“Without a doubt, I survived because of the generous blood donations of others,” Ostrowski shares.
Although she was able to receive life-saving care, she acknowledges others may not be as fortunate.
“Working in global health, I know all too well that hospital systems in Wisconsin, the United States, and around the world, are experiencing one of the largest blood shortages in our generation,” states Ostrowski.
That’s where The We Give Blood Drive comes in. Now through December 6, Abbott and the Big Ten are pitting school against school to see who tops the leaderboard with the most blood donors. Each blood donation scores one point, and the winning school earns $1million for student and/or community health programs.
As part of the Abbott Pandemic Defense Coalition (APDC), GHI knows the importance of collaboration in advancing global health and supports Abbott’s efforts to raise awareness of the blood shortage.
GHI partners with Abbott to support APDC’s pandemic preparedness efforts through our One Health Centers (OHC). Our OHCs are truly multidisciplinary, connecting units and partners across campus and the world to solve timely global health issues, through the One Health lens; honoring the links between human, animal, and plant health.
To help Abbott spread the word about the blood shortage, and help Badgers cross the finish line towards the $1million, GHI is working with American Red Cross to host a blood drive on Wednesday, December 4, from 10am-3pm (CST), at 1010 Medical Sciences Center, 1300 University Ave. There will be free snacks and pairs of Friends-themed socks (while supplies last) for those giving blood. Space is limited, so register today to secure a spot.
If you can’t make it on December 4th, visit the We Give Blood Drive page to find a nearby donation center and learn more about their eligibility. (When you donate, don’t forget to submit your donation.)
One donor at a time, let’s help rebuild the nation’s blood supply and ensure everyone who needs blood is able to access it. Your donation matters not only on a community health scale, but also on an individual one.
“I’ll never know whose blood I received, but my family and I are so grateful to them for saving my life,” Ostrowski concludes.