The American Red Cross has a severe winter blood shortage and has issued an emergency call for blood donors. Eligible donors can help save lives by giving blood at the annual Hutchinson Battle of the Badges Jan. 23-25 and Jan. 27.

Hutchinson Police and Fire Department personnel are teaming with the Red Cross for the annual Battle of the Badges blood drive to see who can recruit the most eligible donors in their community to donate blood.

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. Individuals can join the Battle of the Badges blood drive by donating during the upcoming blood drives. All those coming to donate will receive a Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last, and will get to cast a vote to help decide the winner.

Hutchinson Battle of the Badges

Monday, Jan. 23, from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., at First Presbyterian Church, 201 E. Sherman St.

Tuesday, Jan. 24, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., at First Presbyterian Church, 201 E. Sherman St.

Wednesday, Jan. 25, from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., at First Presbyterian Church, 201 E. Sherman St.

Friday, Jan. 27, from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m., Avenue A Park, corner of Avenue A and Main

“Fire and law enforcement units know firsthand how important it is to have blood readily available for emergencies,” said Jan Hale, Communications manager of the Red Cross Central Plains Blood Services Region. “By hosting this blood drive, they are helping ensure that blood is on the shelves before it is needed.”

Hectic holiday schedules for many regular blood donors contributed to about 37,000 fewer donations in November and December than what was needed. Snowstorms and severe weather have also impacted donations. The recent winter storm has compounded a severe blood shortage forcing the cancellation of 215 blood drives and causing more than 7,500 donations to go uncollected. Last month, nearly 100 blood drives were forced to cancel across the country due to severe weather, resulting in more than 3,100 blood donations going uncollected.  

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.)

How to donate blood

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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