INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — For the 12th consecutive year, members of the Indiana Statehouse took part in a friendly competition to save lives by giving blood. The Statehouse Blood Donor Challenge brings Indiana lawmakers from the five different branches of government together to go head-to-head for bragging rights.

Duchess Adjei, regional communications director with the Indiana Red Cross, says she appreciates the enthusiasm she’s seen from their government partners.

“We’re just happy to save lives, ” Adjei said. “Year by year people continue to get more excited. We have some great folks here in our elected offices who are really supportive of the Red Cross and it gives us momentum.”

The community was also invited to join the fun in the south atrium to be a part of “Giving Wednesday” and the blood donor challenge. The event’s goal was to collect 100 blood donations to help the Red Cross recover from, what they call, “a critical shortage in blood during the winter months.”

“90% of the work that we do is carried out by volunteers, ” Adjei said. “The impact is incredible for our state and I think it shows how important it is for people to want to save lives.”

In 2019, the Indiana House members took home the trophy as the leaders of the life-saving mission. In 2020, they met their goal of 100 blood units, with 30 minutes to spare. However, Adjei says over the years many members of the community have donated and helped boost those totals anonymously, saying they just want to help the cause.

“I think it’s awesome that people have come out and supported us,” Adjei said. “It means a lot to show that Hoosier hospitality.”

At the end of the drive the House’s team appeared to finish the challenge on top again with a sizable lead near the end of the drive.

Since this blood donor challenge started, it has resulted in 765 blood donations being given through the Red Cross. For more on how to donate click here.