With lights flashing and sirens blaring, Salina Police, Fire and EMS personnel often arrive first at emergencies, always ready to help. These local first responders will help ensure blood is available during medical emergencies by partnering with the American Red Cross for the annual Battle of the Badges Blood Drive.
During the Battle of the Badges Blood Drive, Salina Police Department and Salina Fire and EMS will compete to see who can recruit the most blood donors. Everyone who comes to give blood can cast a vote to determine who will win this year’s bragging rights.
“Thanks to these first responders for not only keeping the community safe but also helping with blood collection this summer,” said Teri Novotny, Central Plains Blood Services Region account manager. “The Battle of the Badges Blood Drive offers a way for Salina residents to support our local heroes and help save lives by giving blood.”
The Salina Battle of the Badges Blood Drive is scheduled for Sunrise Presbyterian Church, 825 E. Beloit, on the following days.
- August 27-28, from noon to 7 p.m.
- August 29, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
This blood drive comes as the Red Cross faces an emergency blood shortage and is issuing an urgent call for blood and platelet donors to give now. Blood products are currently being distributed to hospitals faster than donations are coming in. More donations are immediately needed to help replenish the blood supply. In thanks, all those who come to donate blood or platelets through August 30, 2018, 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.)
To make an appointment for the 2018 Salina Battle of the Badges, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) and use sponsor code Salina.
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 in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), 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 must 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.
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