No, not that one. The 2009 men's basketball national championship is secure. But until last fall, the University also held a record for the largest single-day, single-site blood drive ever in North Carolina.

Tar Heels set the record with 1,052 pints collected in 1993 at the University's annual Carolina Blood Drive. But in September, Appalachian State University in Boone collected 1,060 pints in one day, breaking the Heels' record.

This year's UNC drive will be Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Dean E. Smith Center. Folks from the university and local communities will have the opportunity to reclaim the distinction from the Mountaineers at the 21st annual Carolina Blood Drive. Its goal: 1,100 units. Last year, 966 were collected.

"If this year's basketball season is any proof, we Tar Heels definitely have a fighting spirit," said Katrina Coble, chair of the Carolina Blood Drive committee. "We're determined to take our title back come June 2. I urge everyone who is eligible and able to give to participate in the 21st annual Carolina Blood Drive."

Besting Appalachian State won't be the only reason to give at the drive, which is sponsored by the University and the American Red Cross. Donors will receive 21st anniversary T-shirts and may enter a drawing for three chances to win a cruise for two donated by Holland America Line or Carnival Cruise Lines.

Other door prizes, contributed by the Carolina athletics department, are two tickets to UNC's football home opener on Sept. 5 against The Citadel; two tickets to a conference UNC women's basketball game during the 2009-2010 season; and two tickets to a non-conference UNC men's basketball game during the 2009-2010 season.

For more information, and to register to give, visit www.unc.edu/blood.

"Appalachian held its blood drive during the academic year, when many student donors were on campus," Coble said. "At Carolina, we hold our drive in the summer, when most students are away -- including those who regularly donate during the school year. That factor, as well as everyone's vacations, causes local donations to drop in the summer. And summer is a season of increased need for blood because of travel-related injuries."

The American Red Cross Carolinas Blood Services Region needs 1,600 units of blood each day to meet the needs of area hospitals, said Caroline Allison of the Red Cross Carolina Blood Services Region. Donors must be at least 17 (or 16 with parental consent), weigh at least 110 pounds and be in generally good health. Plenty of water intake and a good meal are suggested before donating to ensure a smoother experience.

Blood donations save the lives of accident victims and help treat patients with cancer, sickle cell disease and many other ailments, Allison said: "There is no substitute for blood. Volunteer donors are the only source."