As summer kicks off with Memorial Day weekend, Columbia Fire and Police Departments and Richland County Sheriff’s Department are teaming with the American Red Cross for the annual Battle of the Badges blood drive to see who can recruit the most eligible donors to donate blood.
As summer kicks off with Memorial Day weekend, Columbia Fire and Police Departments and Richland County Sheriff’s Department are teaming with the American Red Cross for the annual Battle of the Badges blood drive to see who can recruit the most eligible donors to donate blood. The Battle of the Badges blood drive is an opportunity for community members to help save lives by rolling up their sleeves on Friday, May 27 from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Charles Drew Wellness Center and Decker Center or from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m at the Richland County Decker Center. You can make an appointment by visiting RedCrossBlood.org and using sponsor code ‘B&B’.
May is Trauma Awareness Month, and in trauma situations, such as car accidents, a victim may need up to 100 pints of blood. Blood donors make a difference for patients with traumatic injuries and other serious medical needs. The Red Cross encourages eligible donors of all blood types to give to help ensure hospitals are ready the moment an injured patient arrives.
“Our local emergency responders get a firsthand look of the constant need for blood when they arrive at emergency scenes every day,” said Rod Tolbert, Regional Executive, Red Cross of South Carolina. “By hosting this blood drive, they are showing their support and ensuring that blood is readily available for emergencies.”
Media resources:
Video from press conference:
Photos from press conference:
Locations:
Richland
County Decker Center located at 2500 Decker Blvd
Charles Drew
Wellness Center located at 2101 Walker Solomon Way.
Appointment Times: 7 am – 3 pm
*Sheriff Leon Lott will be donating at 1 p.m. at the Decker Center.
Donors will help decide who wins bragging rights and a trophy. All presenting donors will receive a Red Cross aluminum water bottle and customizable stickers, while supplies last. More information
and details are available at RedCrossBlood.org.
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 follow us on Twitter at @RedCross.
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