Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
COLUMBIA, Mo. (April 19, 2019) — The Jefferson City Fire and Police departments are teaming with the American 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.
Individuals can join the Battle of the Badges blood drive by donating May 6 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Jefferson City Elks Lodge 513, 901 Ellis Blvd., in Jefferson City. Donors’ blood donations will help decide who wins bragging rights.
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 will get to cast a vote to help decide the winner, enjoy a Root beer float after donating and receive a free Red Cross Battle of the Badges T-shirt, while supplies last.
“We are extremely grateful to the fire and police first responders of Jefferson City for their support of Sound the Alarm and now through the Battle of the Badges to support our Blood Services,” said Abigail Anderson, executive director, Central and Northern Missouri Red Cross Chapter. “By hosting these blood drives, they are helping ensure that blood is on the shelves before it is needed.”
Donors of all blood types are needed in May, which is National Trauma Awareness Month. Trauma accounts for 41 million emergency room visits every year in the U.S. A single car accident victim can need as many as 100 units of blood. The Red Cross urges eligible donors to help ensure lifesaving blood is available for patients with traumatic injuries and other serious medical needs by donating blood.
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 or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. Use/reference sponsor code JCElks. 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, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.
Community Kickoff:
A community kickoff event for the Sound the Alarm Mission Campaign will be held April 25, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the 200 to 300 block of High St. in Jefferson City. The event will include information on how to get involved in the many services the Red Cross offers including home fire and disaster support and services to members of the Armed Forces and their families, and flood and tornado safety information.
There will also be opportunities at the event to sign up for a free smoke alarm installation, and emergency preparedness activities geared toward children.
A fire demonstration with Jefferson City Fire Department, a fire safety course, and demonstrations on First Aid and CPR and pet first aid will be available.
Smoke Alarm Installations:
Three smoke alarm installations are planned in Central and Northwest Missouri where volunteers will assist in installing free smoke alarms in homes in April. Anyone needing a smoke alarm is asked to go online at www.getasmokealarm.org or call 573-635-1132, press “7.”
Installations include:
· Jefferson City, Missouri - April 27 – 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
· Holts Summit, Missouri - April 27 – 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Anyone wanting to volunteer to help install smoke alarms in these locations, is asked to sign up online on the specific event at www.redcross.org/stamc (under Missouri events).
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.