Blood Assurance Hosts Fourth Annual Battle of the Badges Blood Drive

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Blood Assurance Hosts Fourth Annual Battle of the Badges Blood Drive

On Friday, July 27, 2018, members of the Abingdon Police Department, Abingdon Fire Department, Washington County, VA Sheriff’s Office, and Washington County Life Saving Crew are joining forces for the Fourth Annual Battle of the Badges blood drive. A trophy will be awarded to the department with the most blood donors.  The drive will be held in the parking lot of the Abingdon Police Department at 425 West Main Street, Abingdon, from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

“Donating blood is a way that we can all be a hero in our community.  By donating to Blood Assurance, you insure that your donation will be used locally.  Blood Assurance is the sole provider of blood for Johnston Memorial Hospital, Russell County Medical Center, and Smyth County Hospital.

Donating blood is simple, takes a small amount of time, and is relatively painless.  Sadly, many who are eligible to donate, don't.  Many are busy, and others are simply afraid.   Nationally, less than ten percent of the U.S. population maintains the entire blood supply for our country.  For this reason, blood donors are special people. They take the time to, literally, give themselves to others.

This is part of the reason that we host the "Battle of the Badges" blood drive.  You do not have to be a member of an emergency service organization to join, but you can choose who gets to count your donation when you give and in the end, you will be a hero. 

This is our fourth "Battle of the Badges" drive and this year we have set a goal of collecting two hundred (200) units! This is a very sizable, but achievable, goal! However, the emergency services community firmly believes that the citizens we serve will donate on July 27th to reach this mark. To accommodate this we will have additional collection vehicles available for this drive.

We hope to see you at the Battle of the Badges!”- Police Chief/Interim Town Manager Tony Sullivan  

Blood Assurance relies on all blood types, but especially those with type O-negative blood, as it is the universal blood type. O-negative blood is 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.   

The blood drive is open to the public and everyone is encouraged to come donate in the name of your favorite public service agency. To help minimize your wait time, we encourage you to sign up at bloodassurance.org/bob2018 for a time slot.