Give Blood Nov. 9 at “Battle of the Badges 19320” Blood Drive Competition in Chester County

Give Blood Nov. 9 at "Battle of the Badges 19320" Blood Drive Competition in Chester County

COATESVILLE, PA —When first responders compete to collect blood, everyone wins! Police and Fire departments from the Coatesville area will compete to see who can recruit the most eligible blood donors in the community during their first-ever American Red Cross Battle of the Badges 19320 blood drive on Friday, Nov. 9.

Click here to schedule an appointment.

Community members are needed to roll up their sleeves and donate blood with “team police” or “team fire” Nov. 9, 3-8 p.m. at the Chester County Public Safety Training Center, 137 Modena Road, Coatesville.  Appointments are strongly encouraged. To schedule an appointment, click here or visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter zip code 19320 or call 1-800-REDCROSS.

Presenting donors will receive a free T-shirt, while supplies last.

Battle of the Badges is a friendly competition between first responders that helps the Red Cross meet patient and hospital demand for blood, which is especially challenging during the holiday season and throughout the winter months.

“Our first responders know, firsthand, how important it is to have blood readily available for emergencies,” said Alana Mauger, external communications manager, Red Cross Penn Jersey Blood Services Region. “We’re thrilled that Police and Fire departments in the 19320 zip code have stepped up to the challenge by organizing this blood drive and educating the community about the importance of blood donation.”

How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit 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 in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), 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 must meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood and platelet donors can 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, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit RedCross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

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