Patients are the real winners in the Dover-New Phila Blood Battle
Residents of both communities, team boosters, students age 16 and older, parents, faculty, and everyone in the Tuscarawas Valley are invited to donate blood for either the Tornadoes or the Quakers.
The community rivalry between Dover and New Philadelphia on the football field and for blood donations is approaching.
Off the football field, blood donations are in need around the country right now, so it is an ideal time to consider donating, especially first-time donors.
The 25th annual Dover vs. New Philadelphia Blood Battle blood-donation event is scheduled Wednesday, Oct. 19 at the Tuscarawas County YMCA at Dover from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The football teams play game 119 in their rivalry two nights later on Friday, Oct. 21 at Woody Hayes Quaker Stadium in New Philadelphia.
“In this annual Blood Battle, the real winners are the patients of Cleveland Clinic Union Hospital, who depend on blood donations,” said Darrin Lautenschleger, corporate communications manager at Union Hospital. “This tradition is another positive way to participate in what is one of the oldest high school football rivalries in the state of Ohio.
“Each single blood donation has the power to save up to three lives, and blood donations continue to be critically important.”
Appointments are recommended for donors. Visit www.vitalant.org/DoverNewPhila or call 877-258-4825. The Dover donor group code is 5002, and the New Philadelphia donor group code is 4985. Donors will receive a T-shirt from the event, and people don’t have to be a fan of either team to participate. Walk-ins also are available, but wait times may vary.
Vitalant Ohio manages blood-donation programs at Union Hospital and around the Tuscarawas Valley.
Donors as young as 16 can participate, but all donors under the age of 18 must have a completed and signed parental consent form.
Last year fans of the Tornadoes were the team winners in the contest by donating the most units. Dover leads the all-time series in the Blood Battle with 14 victories compared to nine wins for New Philadelphia, along with one tie that occurred in 2016.
Residents of both communities, team boosters, students age 16 and older, parents, faculty, and everyone in the Tuscarawas Valley are invited to donate blood for either the Tornadoes or the Quakers.
The winner of the Blood Battle will be announced during the football game between Dover and New Philadelphia.