Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
PEKIN, Ill. (April 2, 2018)— Local fire, law enforcement and emergency medical services personnel will once again team up with the American Red Cross for the 10th annual Battle of the Badges Blood Drive in Pekin to see who can recruit the most eligible donors in their community to give blood.
Individuals can join the Battle of the Badges Blood Drive by donating blood Tuesday, April 24, from 7 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 5 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at the Pekin City Offices, 111 S. Capitol St., in Pekin. Blood donors will help decide who wins bragging rights and a trophy.
Earlier this year, Chuck Linton, a deputy with the Tazewell County Sheriff’s Office for more than twenty years, suffered a massive heart attack. The community is invited to honor Chuck’s spirit and dedication by donating blood at this year’s Battle of the Badges Blood Drive.
“First responders know firsthand how important it is to have blood readily available for emergencies,” said Joe Zydlo, external communications manager for the Red Cross Heart of America Blood Services Region. “By hosting this blood drive, they are helping ensure that blood is on the shelves before it is needed to help people like Officer Linton.”
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. All presenting donors during the blood drive will get to cast a vote to help decide the winner and receive a Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.
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 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.