Media Contact: Doyle Rader
Doyle.Rader@RedCross.org | (214) 770-4258
DESOTO, TEXAS (JUNE 13, 2022) — DeSoto Fire Rescue and the DeSoto Police Department are on a mission to help save lives by collecting blood for hospital patients in need during the Battle of the Badges blood drive.
Battle of the Badges is a friendly competition to see who can recruit the most eligible blood donors to join them in this lifesaving effort. Members of the community are encouraged give blood on June 17 from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the DeSoto Library (211 E. Pleasant Run Road) and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at DeSoto Fire Station 2 (206 S. Parks Drive).
“Help your firefighters and police officers help others by showing up and donating,” said Chief Bryan Southard, DeSoto Fire Rescue. “This is a way for all of us to have a hand in saving a life. Remember we all bleed red, so be sure and donate in name of those that walk the thin red line, your DeSoto Firefighters!”
The need for blood is constant. Joining first responders to donate at this special event can help ensure blood is on the shelves before it is needed.
Sickle cell is a disease that primarily affects individuals of African descent. African American blood donors are needed to help provide the most compatible units for patients with sickle cell disease though all are welcome and encouraged to donate blood.
“Red or Blue, we bleed too! We would give our very last breath to protect each of you,” said Sgt. Mikel Edwards, DeSoto Police. “Today, we donate because that’s just what we do. We are the real first responders, and we are always here for you!”
All presenting donors will receive a $20 gift card by email thanks to Amazon as well as a Red Cross t-shirt, while supplies last.
To make an appointment visit redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code “DesotoBOB.” To learn more, download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Completion of a RapidPass online health history questionnaire found at redcrossblood.org/rapidpass is encouraged to help speed up the donation process. 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.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit RedCross.org/NorthTexas or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on Twitter at @RedCrossNTX.