Aug 18, 2020

Salina's Battle of the Badges blood drive set for Aug. 24-26

Posted Aug 18, 2020 12:12 PM

This summer, Salina’s first responders will save lives both on and off the clock by partnering with the American Red Cross to help keep the community blood supply strong. Join first responders in saving lives at the annual Salina Battle of the Badges Blood Drive.

This year’s battle blood drive takes place Aug. 24-25 from noon to 7 p.m. and Aug. 26 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Sunrise Presbyterian Church, 825 East Beloit Avenue. 

Each year during the Battle of the Badges, the Salina Fire and EMS Department and the Salina Police Department compete to see who can recruit the most blood donors. Everyone who comes to give can cast a vote to determine who will win this year’s contest.

Donors are urged to give blood and help meet the constant need for blood products for patients battling diseases and facing the unexpected. Everyone who comes to give will receive a t-shirt. And, a thank-you for helping ensure a stable blood supply, those who give Aug. 1-Sept. 3 will receive a $5 Amazon.com Gift Card via email, courtesy of Amazon. (Restrictions apply. Additional information and details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Together.) Plus, give by Aug. 31 and automatically be entered for a chance to win a trip for four to Cedar Point or Knott’s Berry Farm, redeemable through the 2021 season! (Terms and conditions apply. Additional information and details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/CedarFair.)  

The Red Cross is urging healthy individuals to give blood for patients battling disease and facing the unexpected. The need for blood products remains constant, but blood drives continue to cancel due to COVID-19. It’s important to remember that blood is perishable and cannot be stockpiled.

“We are so indebted to our community’s first responders for their continued commitment to helping with blood collection during the summer months,” said Teri Novotny, account manager, Red Cross Central Plains Blood Services Region. “The Battle of the Badges Blood Drive remains an important way for area residents to support these local heroes and help save a life by giving blood.”

The Red Cross strongly encourages appointments to ensure social distancing. Make an appointment to give blood at the 2020 Salina Battle of the Badges Blood Drive by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

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 have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood 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.