From a press release:
The battle lines have been drawn. It’s heroes versus heroes, all fighting for the greater good of helping to save lives with the American Red Cross. Local law enforcement join forces for the fifth annual ‘Battle of the Badges’ blood drive Wednesday, Feb. 25 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at First Baptist Church located at 5 Oak St., Asheville, NC.
Seasonal illnesses, like the flu, can cause some donors to become temporarily ineligible to donate, and winter weather can lead to canceled blood drives. Despite these challenges, patients still depend on lifesaving donations every day. Asheville Fire Department, Asheville Police Department, Buncombe County Emergency Medical Service, Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office and the North Carolina Highway Patrol return to help counter these winter blues by bleeding red in a friendly, agency-versus-agency battle for blood.
“First responders commit themselves to saving lives every day and donors help to save lives every day too,” said Sharon Pitt, CEO for the Red Cross Carolinas Blood Services Region. “It’s heroes among heroes at this blood drive as the Asheville community team up with local first responders and the Red Cross to help answer the need for blood.”
Upon arrival, donors can designate a team to which their donation can be applied. An overall winner will be announced at the end of the drive. The Asheville Fire Department (AFD) won last year collecting 53 pints of the 171 total collected donations. AFD team is ‘fired up’ to remain the ‘Battle of the Badges’ champions this year but the rival badge holders look to contend for the top spot and fight fire with blood!
The teams will work with the Red Cross to collect 150 pints of blood during the blood drive. Because up to three patients may be helped by one donation, up to 450 lives could be impacted. The Red Cross urges eligible donors to roll up their sleeves this February and give blood or platelets in support of a diverse blood supply.
To schedule an appointment, visit redcrossblood.org and enter the sponsor code ‘avlbattleofbadges,’ call 1-800-RED CROSS or download the Red Cross Blood Donor App available through the App StoreSM and Google PlayTM. All presenting blood donors will receive a free Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last. In addition, presenting donors can enter for a chance to win two tickets to the Biltmore Estate.
The Red Cross Carolinas Blood Services Region must collect 1,500 pints of blood every day to meet hospital demand in local communities. Providing blood products for 10 Asheville-area hospitals, the Red Cross also serves more than 100 throughout the Carolinas Blood Services Region. Trauma patients, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease may all need blood. There is no substitute for blood and volunteer donors are the only source.
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. 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.
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 visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
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