LANCASTER – Calling all badge carrying personnel and supporters! The American Red Cross would like you to come out and donate blood at the annual “Battle of the Badges” blood drive.
Hosted locally by American Medical Response, the Battle of the Badges blood drive will take place from 7 a.m. to 7:15 p.m. Monday, Jan. 26 and Tuesday, Jan. 27 at the AMR office, located at 1055 West Avenue J in Lancaster.
While this initiative is geared toward the law enforcement community, the general public is strongly encouraged to participate. All participants will receive a Red Cross Battle of the Badges t-shirt.
“Giving blood is a priceless gift,” stated Chana T. Alexander of American Medical Response. “This is a way to start off the year and give a gift of life to someone in need.”
The annual Battle of Badges blood drive is an opportunity for law enforcement, fire departments and emergency medical services to positively impact the community by participating in a friendly competition to see who can donate the most blood. The Battle of the Badges began in 2007 in Southern California. The initiative is now the nation’s largest and most successful law-enforcement blood drive.
Blood donations dramatically decline during the holiday season because schools are on break and many people go on vacation. The life-saving blood collected through Battle of the Badges helps alleviate the strain on the depleted blood reserves and highlights local law enforcement for going beyond the call of duty.
This is AMR’s fourth year participating in this blood drive. All donors welcome; be sure to bring identification. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact Chana Alexander at 661-400-9637. Walk-ins are also welcome.
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