Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
SAVANNAH, Ga. (Nov. 06, 2018) — Each day, Bryan County Local Law enforcement and Fire Emergency Medical Services help save lives while on the job, and now they’re teaming up with the American Red Cross to help save lives off the job. Join the Bryan County Emergency Services at the Bryan County Local Law enforcement vs. Fire Emergency Medical Services Battle of the Badges Blood Drives Tuesday, Nov. 20, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Board of Commissioners Building, 51 North Courthouse St. in Pembroke and Bryan County Administrative Complex, 66 Captain Matthew Freeman Drive in Richmond Hill. All presenting donors will receive a free Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.
The Battle of the Badges comes at an important time. Winter months can be among the most challenging times of year for the Red Cross to collect enough blood donations. Many donors are busy with holiday activities, and inclement weather can force the cancellation of blood drives. Additionally, some donors become temporarily ineligible because of seasonal illnesses.
Honoring law enforcement and first responders, while helping to save lives through blood donation, is a new partnership Bryan County Emergency Services is starting with the Red Cross. “We’re looking forward to a great future and appreciate Bryan County for supporting our lifesaving mission,” said Ronnika A. McFall, external communications manager of the Red Cross Southern Blood Services Region. “Donating blood only takes about an hour and the leaders and heroes of this community can provide a great opportunity to help give patients a chance to celebrate more holidays to come.”
The Red Cross must collect more than 13,000 blood and platelet donations every day for patients in need. Blood is needed for many different reasons. Accident and burn victims, heart surgery patients, organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease may all need blood.
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org and use sponsor code: bryancountyema 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 and platelet donors can 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, from a computer or mobile device. 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.