Red Cross Battle of the Badges Begins – Dec. 15. Do you have the courage to donate blood?
Central Plains
It is time for the American Red Cross’ 17th Annual Battle of the Badges Blood Drive. This means, local law enforcement will “battle” with local firefighters to see who can give the most blood.
Firefighters and law enforcement officers give time to the community; they give a sense of security to residents; and they often give blood too. As local heroes to many, their courage in the face of adversity bolsters people in need.
But the Battle isn’t just for police officers and fire fighters; anyone can get involved in the fun of this year’s event by donating blood and voting for a favorite team – either fire or law enforcement. Everyone who tries to donate will get a great-looking Battle T-shirt.
The 17th Annual Battle of the Badges begins on Thursday, Dec. 15, 2011 and runs though Saturday, Dec. 31, 2011. People can donate at the following locations:
The Wichita Blood Donor Center, 707 N. Main, will be open Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Fridays from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1p.m. - The Northwest Blood Donor Center, 8414 W. 13th St. North, Suite 200, will be open Dec. 20, Dec. 22 and Dec. 27 from 3 to 6:30 p.m. each day.
- Spirit AeroSystems employees are encouraged to donate at the Spirit Blood Donor Center, Plant 2 Column H-21, on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. or Friday, Dec. 16, 3rd shift from 4 to 9 a.m. Spirit employees can make an appointment by calling (316) 526-0381 or 1-800 RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Give Platelets
In addition to donating whole blood, Red Cross encourages people to consider becoming a regular platelet donor during this year’s Battle of the Badges. Platelets are the part of the blood that help with clotting and are greatly needed by surgery, burn and cancer patients. Contact a Red Cross platelet recruiter at (316) 268-0875 or toll free 1-866-206-0694 to learn more.
When this contest is over, the Battle of the Badges winner gets bragging rights and a big trophy. But most importantly, hospital patients throughout Kansas and Northern Oklahoma are also winners because they get the life-saving blood they need to survive.
Anyone can become a hero during Battle of the Badges. This is your chance. Give blood. Click here for a full list of Battle 2011 activities.
How to Donate Whole Blood
Call 1-800 RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit www.redcrossblood.org for more information or to make an appointment. Walk-ins are also welcome. All blood types are needed to ensure the Red Cross maintains an adequate blood supply. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Donors must be in general good health, weigh at least 110 pounds and be at least 17 years old (16 in Kansas with completed Parental Consent Form). New height and weight restrictions apply to donors 18 and younger.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.
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