North Platte community unites in the Battle of the Badges

For the seventh year, North Platte-area firefighters and law enforcement will team up with the American Red Cross and Huskeradio to help save lives during the Battle of the Badges blood drive. The friendly competition is Thursday, Sept. 8. 

 

“As I think back, Battle of the Badges has always been a great event for our community, I believe it brings people out that might not otherwise donate,” said, Dennis Thompson, North Platte Fire Chief. “I know law enforcement and fire department personnel have a good time ‘bantering’ back and forth!” 

 

By rolling up a sleeve during this special event, blood donors have the chance to show their support for the North Platte Fire Department, North Platte Police Department, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office or Nebraska State Patrol. Firefighters and law enforcement are tied 3-3. While this year’s drive will break the tie, everyone walks away a winner, especially the patients who benefit from blood donation.  

 

“As we stand witness to the tragedies occurring around the country I know that the need for blood and blood products is of vital importance,” said Thompson. “Whether your allegiances are to law enforcement or fire, get out and support all of our community’s first responders!”

 

 

Make an appointment to give blood by using the free Red Cross Blood Donor App or visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS and using sponsor code NPbattleofbadges. 

 

Blood products can help many different kinds of patients including accident and burn victims, heart surgery patients, organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer, and sickle cell disease. This drive comes at the end of the summer season, which can be a difficult time for the Red Cross to collect enough blood to meet patient needs. Donating at this drive will help ensure blood remains available for hospitals. 

 

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.

 

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.