Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
Every two seconds, a patient in the United States needs blood. Every day, seven people in the U.S. die in home fires—most in homes that lack working smoke alarms. These statistics are behind two major efforts of the American Red Cross: to ensure blood is available when patients need it and to help families prepare for home fires with working smoke alarms and fire escape plans.
This summer, the American Red Cross is teaming up with Binghamton government employees and Binghamton and Endicott fire departments for a Battle of the Badges where presenting blood donors may sign up on site for assistance through the Red Cross Home Fire Campaign. Launched in 2014, the Home Fire Campaign aims to reduce fire-related deaths and injuries by installing free smoke alarms for families in need, checking existing smoke alarms, and helping people prepare personalized fire escape plans. Trained Red Cross volunteers, firefighters and other community partners assist in this effort.
Battle of the Badges is a friendly competition to encourage community members to join their local first responders and perform their own heroic act with a blood donation. Firefighters know firsthand how important it is to have blood readily available for emergencies. By hosting this blood drive, they are helping ensure that blood is on the shelves before it is needed.
This blood drive comes when the Red Cross is facing a critical blood shortage and is issuing an emergency call for donors of all types to give now so patients can continue to receive the lifesaving treatments they need. Blood products are being distributed to hospitals faster than donations are coming in, and more donations are needed now to replenish the blood supply.
American Red Cross Home Fire Campaign Battle of the Badges Blood Drives
Endicott Fire Department
1009 East Main Street, Endicott
Thursday, July 13
12-6 p.m.
Binghamton State Office Building
Binghamton State Office Building, Warren M. Anderson Room
44 Hawley Street, Binghamton
Thursday, July 13
12- 6 p.m.
Other blood drives will be held throughout the summer and fall that will provide presenting donor the opportunity to sign up for the Red Cross Home Fire Campaign on site.
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
Blood donors can now save time at their next donation by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, prior to arriving at the blood drive. To get started and learn more, visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
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