Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
BRANSON, Mo. (Aug. 21, 2019) — Local fire and law enforcement personnel are teaming-up with the American Red Cross for the first-ever Branson Battle of the Badges blood drive to see who can recruit the most eligible donors in their community to donate blood.
Individuals can join the Branson Battle of the Badges blood drive by donating Monday, Sept. 9 from 1 to 6 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 420 W. Main Street. Donors’ blood donations will help decide who wins bragging rights, the Branson Fire Department or the Branson Police Department.
Battle of the Badges is a friendly competition to encourage community members to join their local first responders and perform their own heroic act, donating blood. All presenting donors during the blood drive will get to cast a vote to help decide the winner.
“Daily, police officers and fire fighters work together for our community and they know the value of team work,” said Jeff Matthews, Branson Police Chief. “The Battle of the Badges blood drive is a great opportunity for the community and Branson’s finest, to team up and make a difference in the lives of those in need. Please join a team and work with us to give now.”
All those who present to donate during Battle of the Badges will receive a Battle of the Badges T-shirt, a voucher for a pint of frozen custard from Culver’s and a Chick-Fil-A breakfast sandwich coupon, while supplies last.
“Firefighters and law enforcement personnel know firsthand how important it is to have blood readily available for emergencies,” said Joe Zydlo, External Communications Manager of the Greater Ozarks & Arkansas Blood Services Region. “By hosting this blood drive, they are helping ensure that blood is on the shelves before it is needed.”
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
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code FPB, 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 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. 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.