Local first responders are working together to help ensure blood is available during medical emergencies by partnering with the American Red Cross for the Arkansas City vs. Winfield Battle of the Badges Blood Drives.
First responders in each city are teaming up to see who can recruit the most blood donors.
The Winfield Fire and Police Departments will have their opportunity to recruit donors during a blood drive Thursday, July 12, from noon to 6 p.m., at First United Methodist Church, 1000 Millington St.
You can support the Arkansas City Fire Department and the Arkansas City Police Department by donating blood Friday, July 13, from noon to 6 p.m., at Central Christian Church, 206 W Central Ave.
The number of blood donors at each drive will determine who wins this year’s bragging rights.
“Thank you to first responders for not only keeping the community safe, but also helping with blood collection this summer,” said Tammy Hunnell, Central Plains Blood Services Region account manager. “These Battle of the Badges Blood Drives offer a way for residents of both cities to support their local heroes and help save lives by giving blood.”
The Arkansas City vs. Winfield Battle of the Badges Blood Drives come as the Red Cross recently launched the Missing Types campaign with a goal of bringing awareness to the great need for new blood donors to reverse a declining donor population.
For the past four years, new Red Cross blood donors have declined by about 80,000 each year, officials said.
To make an appointment for the 2018 Arkansas City vs. Winfield Battle of the Badges Blood
Drives, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
