Donate blood at the inaugural Jefferson County Battle of the Badges

Local fire, law enforcement and EMS personnel compete to increase blood donations

(Aug. 6, 2018) — Local fire, law enforcement and emergency medical services personnel are teaming with the American Red Cross for the inaugural Jefferson County 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 Battle of the Badges blood drive by donating Aug. 20 from noon to 7 p.m. at Elks Lodge 1721, 4 Elks Club, in Festus. Donors’ blood donations will help decide who wins bragging rights and a plaque. There are 12 organizations participating in the competition, including:

·         Joachim Plattin Ambulance District

·         Festus Fire Department

·         Festus Police Department

·         Goldman Fire Protection District

·         Hematite Fire Protection District

·         Herculaneum Fire Department

·         Herculaneum Police Department

·         Jefferson County Dispatch

·         Jefferson County Sheriff's Department

·         Pevely Police Department

·         Mapaville Fire Department

·         Survival Flight #1

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.

“EMS, fire and law enforcement units know firsthand how important it is to have blood readily available for emergencies,” said Cindy Rea, account manager, Missouri-Illinois Blood Services Region. “By hosting this blood drive, they are helping ensure that blood is on the shelves before it is needed.”

In thanks, all those who come to donate blood will receive a $5 Amazon.com Gift Card via email. (Restrictions apply; see amazon.com/gc-legal. More information and details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Together.)

Every two seconds in the United States blood is needed to respond to patient emergencies, including accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease. The Red Cross must collect more than 13,000 blood and platelet donations every day for the patients at about 2,600 hospitals nationwide.

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 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 smartphone, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

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.