St. Joseph law enforcment to participate in ‘Battle of the Badges’ Blood Drive
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- In honor of National First Responders Day, the Community Blood Center and the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce will host a blood drive to encourage a friendly competition between local law enforcement.
The competition will take place from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 28, and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 29, at the St. Joseph Community Blood Center, located at 3122 Frederick Ave.
St. Joseph firefighters and police will go head-to-head, vying to collect the most lifesaving blood donations. SJFD was the winner of the drive last year.
Anyone is welcome to donate during the competition hours, and it only takes one hour to donate.
Roughly one in seven hospital admissions requires a blood transfusion. Some of which include: cancer patients, accident, burn or trauma victims, newborn babies and their mothers, transplant recipients, surgery patients, chronically transfused patients suffering from sickle cell disease or thalassemia.
National First Responders Day is an annual observance recognizing the courage and sacrifice of all first responders, including police, firefighters and emergency medical personnel.
The day, designated by the U.S. Congress, honors the bravery, selflessness and unwavering service of the heroes who protect and serve the community every day.
Blood donors can give every 56 days and platelet donors can give twice a month. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently lifted several blood donor eligibility restrictions. To view current eligibility guidelines or make an appointment, visit www.savealifenow.org or call 877-468-6844.
