Battle of the Badges blood drive returns for another round

Thursday, August 11, 2011

A friendly competition organized last year by the Bourbon County Chapter of the American Red Cross is returning with the goal of getting more people to donate blood.

The Battle of the Badges Blood Drive, a contest between local law enforcement and fire personnel, is scheduled to take place from 1 to 7 p.m. Monday and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday at Buck Run Community Center, 735 Scott Ave.

The event is meant to be a "fun challenge" involving local fire and police personnel, whom the local chapter works closely with to respond to fires, accidents and disasters in the area, Bourbon County Chapter of the American Red Cross Executive Director Whendi Martin said.

"We get called to fires and accidents, those kinds of things," she said. "We thought it would spark some interest to maybe get some donors."

Law enforcement and fire personnel who participate don't have to donate blood, but many do, Martin said.

"We do see different donations this time of year," she said. "While they're here, they donate blood, or at least they get someone to donate in their name."

The event is popular in the community for several reasons, including the incentives it provides to donors, Martin said.

"It is a popular event," she said. "Number 1 because of the challenge that we put out there. Number two, you get a free T-shirt. And there are some extra incentives."

Anyone who donates blood to the Red Cross between July 1 and Sept. 1 is automatically entered into a weekly drawing for a $250 gas card. During Labor Day weekend, anyone trying to donate blood is automatically entered into a drawing for a $1,000 gas card.

Donors at the event get a ballot and then vote for one of the participating agencies, which include rural and city fire departments, the Fort Scott Police Department, and the Bourbon County Sheriff's Office.

Martin said the winning agency receives a certificate and "bragging rights." All teams are encouraged to bring a ballot box.

The local Red Cross chapter collects about 140 units of blood at each drive it conducts throughout the year. She said the normal goal is between 130 and 150 units, depending on the time of year and which drive is being conducted.

The American Red Cross is currently trying to address a critical shortage of blood across the nation. Martin said it is good for people to try to donate at least once a year.

"The Red Cross is in alert right now, there is a blood shortage," Martin said. "We need to get some blood back on the shelves."

Martin said Mercy Health Center uses blood donated to the Red Cross and she is "proud that the blood stays local."

"You may be helping a neighbor and not even realize it," she said.

Martin said people who plan to donate are encouraged to hydrate well before donating as it makes the process go faster. The entire procedure takes about an hour.

For more information or to be put on the list for an appointment, call Martin at (620) 223-0980.