"Battle of the Badges" Blood Drive 2015

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

                                                            

On Friday, July 31, two Eagle Scout candidates from Boy Scout Troop 222 in Abingdon are joining forces with Abingdon Fire and Police departments, as well as Washington County Sheriff’s and Life Saving Crew departments for a historical “Battle of the Badges” blood drive and bone marrow registry drive. The Abingdon Police Department, located at 425 W. Main St., Abingdon, VA 24210, will host the drives between the hours of 10 a.m. until 7 p.m.

“We are proud to partner with Blood Assurance for the ‘Battle of the Badges’ blood drive. We hope that this event will challenge members of our agency, as well as other first responders, to donate blood to help save lives. Blood donations are a small effort that can have a lifelong impact on the receiver and the donor,” said Abingdon Police Chief, Tony Sullivan.

“A few years ago, my cousin was diagnosed with an extremely rare autoimmune disease. He underwent a bone marrow transfusion, which gave him a shot at life,” said Luke Icenhour, Eagle Scout candidate.  “Unfortunately, my cousin lost the battle of his life last year. Through this experience, I learned a great deal about the importance of the ‘Be the Match Registry.’ Because of this registry program, every day, individuals are waking up free of their life-consuming diseases. Although this was not the case for my cousin, I want to make sure that there is a match for as many individuals as possible. Please signup to be someone’s hero. It is easy and pain free.”

“We encourage the community to show their support for their local life-saving heroes and hopeful Eagle Scouts,” said Whit Morison, Blood Assurance Donor Recruiter. “The simple gift of blood is precious and irreplaceable. We cannot manufacture any product that replaces what is found in your blood donation. Each whole blood donation has the power to save 3 lives.”

On July 16, Chattanooga was rocked by a horrific tragedy leading to the loss of 5 service members.  Blood Assurance not only supplies our local hospitals but also Chattanooga area hospitals. After this tragedy, Blood Assurance experienced a massive utilization of their emergency blood and needs your help to replenish the reserves.

All blood types are needed. Donors with O-negative blood type are especially encouraged to donate as O-negative is the universal blood type, given to patients in an emergency situation when their own blood type is unknown.

Blood donors must be at least 17 years old (16 years old with parental consent), weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good health. The process usually takes about 30 minutes and includes a complimentary snack and a special “Battle of the Badges” t-shirt. Donors should eat a healthy meal and drink plenty of fluids -avoiding caffeine- prior to giving blood. 

Please direct any questions to Whit Morison, 276-525-4273.

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