If you are able to help, don’t forget about Battle of the Badges blood drive next week!

Battle of the Badges, a friendly competition with life-saving consequences, has begun – and you can help save a life and support your favorite first responder at the same time.

The Salina Police Department and the Salina Fire Department are joining forces in the fight against summer blood shortages in our annual Battle of the Badges Blood Drive. The Salina Police Department won the 2017 competition.

The event is scheduled for noon to 7 p.m. Monday and Tuesday and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday at Sunrise Presbyterian Church, 825 E. Beloit.

According to a news release from the Salina Police Department, this year, each blood donor will get a special Battle of the Badges T-shirt. The group that has the most people to donate on their behalf wins the traveling plaque.

To make an appointment or learn more, download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Please be sure to use the sponsor code Salina.