Austin First Responders To Compete In Annual Blood Drive

Austin TX

23 June, 2021

3:00 PM

Description

AUSTIN, TX — Austin first responders will compete in We Are Blood's Battle of the Badges to raise awareness and drive blood donations. Austin Police Department, Austin Fire Department and Austin-Travis County EMS, will "battle" it out to see who can recruit the most blood donors from July 1-9. The one to receive the most votes is declared the winner – bragging rights included, officials said. We Are Blood, which provides blood to more than 40 hospitals and medical facilities in Central Texas, hosts the annual event to help foster awareness for blood donations. Last year, the event was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic, authorities said. Authorities said throughout the pandemic, donations have decreased due to fewer mobile drives hosted in the Central Texas community, leading to an ongoing shortage of blood and platelets. (Courtesy of We Are Blood)"After COVID-19 suspended last year's event, we're thrilled to be back alongside our public safety partners for the annual 'Battle of the Badges' blood drive," said Fire Chief Joel G. Baker. "Although we all love a little friendly competition, the real winner is We Are Blood, as we work to stock their shelves with this life-saving gift; the summer months are traditionally one of the lowest for donations so we're happy to do whatever we can to ensure those who need blood will have it."Authorities said throughout the pandemic, donations have decreased due to fewer mobile drives hosted in the Central Texas community, leading to an ongoing shortage of blood and platelets. We Are Blood officials said it is hopeful the Battle of the Badges event will kick-start donations this summer, where donations typically dip as schools are out of session and donors become busy with vacations and other commitments. Donors who want to participate in Battle of the Badges must sign up to donate at any one of three area donor centers or at one of 16 designated mobile blood drives, officials said. (Courtesy of We Are Blood)"Our communities have endured so much this past year; COVID not only caused disruptions in our day to day lives, it created a nationwide blood supply shortage," added Interim EMS Chief Jasper Brown. "The Battle of the Badges blood drive is a great opportunity to help our partners at We Are Blood replenish our local blood supply while enjoying a friendly competition between public safety agencies. We are proud to be part of this invaluable campaign. GO EMS!" Donors who want to participate in Battle of the Badges must sign up to donate at any one of three area donor centers or at one of 16 designated mobile blood drives, officials said. When arriving to register for their appointments, donors may cast their vote for their favorite first responders and pick up a limited-edition Battle of the Badges T-shirt. Appointments are mandatory for all. Check locations for hours and days of operation.