Donate blood at Staunton Battle of the Badges

Local fire, law enforcement and emergency medical services personnel are teaming with the American Red Cross for the Battle of the Badges blood drive to see who can recruit the most eligible donors in their community to donate blood.

Individuals can join the Battle of the Badges blood drive by donating on May 18th from noon – 5:00 p.m. at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. Donors’ blood donations will help decide who wins bragging rights and a trophy.

Battle of the Badges is a friendly competition to encourage community members to join their local first responders and perform their own heroic act with a blood donation. All presenting donors during the blood drive will get to cast a vote to help decide the winner.

“EMS, fire and law enforcement units know firsthand how important it is to have blood readily available for emergencies,” said Bernadette Jay, external communications manager of the Appalachian Blood Services Region. “By hosting this blood drive, they are helping ensure that blood is on the shelves before it is needed.”

The annual Battle of the Badges blood drive began in the area this year. It is supported by various organizations within firefighting, law enforcement and EMS units. Participating in this year’s competition are: Staunton Police Department, The City of Staunton Fire Department and Staunton-Augusta Rescue Squad.

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT

To make an appointment for Staunton Battle of the Badges, use sponsor code: STAUNTON BATTLE, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

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.

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.

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 cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.