Coming Up In Santa Cruz: Battle of the Badges Blood Drive

From the American Red Cross:

Peace officers and firefighters in Santa Cruz are competing to see who can recruit the most blood donors at the fourth annual Battle of the Badges blood drive on Jan. 17.

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The drive is an opportunity for all badge carrying personnel, as well as family, friends and other local residents to have a positive impact on the community through a friendly competition that ultimately helps save lives.

The fire department knows their participation in this annual drive will have a direct effect on the availability of blood for accident victims, cancer patients, premature babies and burn patients. It also gives the fire crews a sense of pride when they can bring in the most donors.

[Previous: Start New Year With New Habit: Giving Lifesaving Blood.]

Police officers are often the first on the scene to help patients, and by donating blood, they’re able to make an even bigger difference for those in need. Officers have graciously said they’ll call the fire department winners even though they won’t collect as much blood as their department will. This battle is one where everyone wins though.

Battle of the Badges blood drive

Saturday, Jan. 17

9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Freight Building at Depot Park

155 Center Street

Santa Cruz

“It’s going above and beyond the call of duty,” said Sara O’Brien, communications manager of the American Red Cross Northern California Blood Services Region. “For our firefighters and officers to stand behind the Red Cross and support this drive, they’re giving each of us the chance to become an everyday hero.”

There will be two awards given: One for the department that brings in the greatest number of donors and one for the department that brings in the most donors from within their own organization. The Fire Department recruited the most employees in 2012 and 2013. In 2013, the Police Department recruited the most overall number of donors while Fire recruited the most donors in 2012 and 2014.

The Red Cross will also have a mobile collection vehicle on Saturday at Life Natural Foods Market, 1266 Soquel Avenue in Santa Cruz. It will be there from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

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.orgor visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

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