Battle of the Badges Blood Drive on Thursday
Battle of the Badges Blood Drive on Thursday
The Cedar Rapids Fire Department and Cedar Rapids Police Department are encouraging citizens to donate blood and become a hero for patients in need. American Red Cross heroes come in all shapes and sizes. They don’t wear capes or special suits, and their badge of honor is the bandage that shows they gave the “gift of life.”
At the Cedar Rapids Battle of the Badges Blood Drive, donors can be a hero to patients in need and honor their hero by donating blood and voting for the Fire Department or Police Department.
The Cedar Rapids Battle of the Badges Blood Drive will be held on Thursday, April 13th from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Stadium, 950 Rockford Road SW.
“Police officers and firefighters regularly work together to respond to medical emergencies and traumatic injuries. Our officers and firefighters have seen first-hand the benefits of having an emergency supply of blood available to assist patients. We are appreciative of all those who unselfishly donate blood to help others,” says Wayne Jerman, Chief of Police, Cedar Rapids Police Department.
“Our community is a better and safer place to live, work or visit because of those that donate blood. We are proud to partner with the American Red Cross, who helps families after devastating fires and also sponsor blood drives that ultimately save lives in our community,” says Mark English, Fire Chief, Cedar Rapids Fire Department.
“Donating blood is one of the simplest things a person can do to help save a patient’s life. For the hour it takes to give blood, there could be a whole community of people thankful for another birthday given to their loved one,” says Judi Faas, Donor Recruitment Manager, American Red Cross.
The Cedar Rapids Fire Department, Cedar Rapids Police Department, and Red Cross encourage eligible donors to become hometown heroes and answer the call of patients in need by donating blood.
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit www.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 donors can now 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, prior to arriving at the blood drive. To get started and learn more, visit www.redcrossblood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.
