Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
There will be a battle between New York State Troopers, Genesee County Sheriff’s Department, Mercy EMS, City of Batavia Police and Fire departments, and the Town of Batavia Fire Department in the community’s first ever Battle of the Badges. This friendly competition among first responders sees who can recruit the most eligible donors in their community to donate blood. The Battle of the Badges is taking place in conjunction with Batavia’s 11th annual Mega Blood Drive, the community’s largest blood drive of the year. Both events will be held on Thursday, August 11 from 12- 7 p.m. at the Quality Inn & Suites, 8250 Park Rd., Batavia. For the eleventh year, Tompkins Financial is the sponsor of the Mega Blood Drive.
This blood drive comes when the Red Cross has announced there is a critical blood shortage and is urging eligible donors to give now to help ensure blood is available through the rest of the summer to meet patient needs.
At times, blood and platelets are being distributed to hospitals faster than donations are coming in, which impacts the ability to rebuild the blood supply. Right now, the Red Cross has less than a five-day blood supply on hand. The Red Cross strives to have a five-day supply at all times to meet the needs of patients every day and be prepared for emergencies that may require significant volumes of donated blood products.
To make an appointment for Battle of the Badges, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Donors of all blood types are urgently needed to help restock the shelves. The Red Cross is thanking those who come in to donate blood by emailing them a $5 Amazon.com gift card claim code.
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 (16 with parental consent in some states), 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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