DOVER (Tusco TV) - Cleveland Clinic Union Hospital officials are giving football fans a chance to come out and support their teams and help save lives in the process.

Community Relations Director Darrin Lautenschleger says the 22nd-annual Dover vs. New Phila Blood Battle is happening at Tuscarawas County YMCA Wednesday from noon to 7pm. He says it’s a friendly competition held each year ahead of the big rivalry game to see which team brings in the most blood donations.

"And what that’s done is it pits the fans of both communities against each other in another fun way to celebrate that football rivalry but more importantly to collect blood donations that benefit folks including the patients of Cleveland Clinic Union Hospital," he says.

Fans ages 16 and older can participate in the Blood Battle, although a parental consent form is required for donors under 18. Lautenschleger says walk-ins are welcome or people can go visit lifesharedonor.org to schedule an appointment for their preferred time. 

"You can simply go online at lifesharedonor.org, pop in the event date and go right online and find that time on there and that’ll secure a time for you. You’ll walk right in, they’ll get you seated and you’ll be all set," he says. 

The winning team will be announced during Friday's game at Crater Stadium. Dover has a slight lead over the years and won last year’s battle with 35 units donated compared to 26 for the Quakers. Lautenschleger says it’s a win for patients regardless of the outcome because up to three lives can be saved with every donation. 

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