The stage is set for Emporia’s Battle of the Badges blood drive to exceed expectations by the end of the event later Friday.
Seventy-eight units of blood were collected Wednesday to start the event, above goal of 65 units. Thursday had 66 units collected, just above goal of 64. Friday’s goal is 57, with a total goal of 186 units.
Activities wrap up at 2 pm at Twelfth Avenue Baptist Church, with the announcement of the favorite participating agency — fire and EMS, law enforcement or emergency communications — coming around 2:30 pm.
5 pm Thursday:
The 2024 Battle of the Badges Blood Drive exceeded expectations on day one.
Wednesday’s blood collection total was 78 units, 13 units above the day’s goal of 65, making a strong dent in the overall goal of 186 units. American Red Cross Account Manager Tiffany Davison was impressed by the results which come as the need for blood nationally remains critical.
She says while it won’t solve the blood shortage outright, anytime a blood drive goes above goal it is a big step in the right direction.
The 2024 Battle of the Badges continued Thursday with collection totals pending and will conclude Friday with donation hours running from 8 am to 2 pm. As always, donors have the opportunity to engage with local first responders during the event including law enforcement, fire and EMS and emergency communications staff.
Donors can also vote for their favorite agency with the winning agency set to be announced at the end of the drive Friday. Davison says Battle of the Badges is a tremendous event as she believes having the first responders on hand engaging with donors encourages individuals to want to step up and support the cause.
If you have not donated yet but would like to, you can set an appointment by calling 800-RED-CROSS, going online to redcrossblood.org or using the Red Cross mobile app. Donors need to bring a photo ID and drink lots of water before arriving.
