Donate Blood At Greenwich Battle Of The Badges

Greenwich CT

01 December, 2021

2:38 PM

Description

GREENWICH, CT — Local fire, law enforcement and emergency medical services personnel are teaming up with the American Red Cross for the annual Greenwich Battle of the Badges Blood Drive. The friendly competition helps to encourage community members to join their local first responders and perform their own heroic act with a blood donation. This year's event will take place on Dec. 4 at the Public Safety Complex in downtown Greenwich from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. "This time of year, as many give thanks for family, friends and good health, it's important to remember that patients across the country cannot survive without the generous donations of lifesaving blood," said Stephanie Dunn Ashley in a news release. Ashley is the CEO of the American Red Cross Metro New York North chapter. "Because of the busy holidays and cold and flu season, winter is traditionally hard on the nation's blood supply. Add in the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, and healthy blood donors can play a big part in ensuring lifesaving treatments are available for patients throughout the winter months. By hosting this blood drive, our first responders are helping ensure that blood is on the shelves before it is needed," Ashley added. Blood drive safety Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and additional precautions – including face masks for donors and staff, regardless of vaccination status – have been implemented to help protect the health of all those in attendance. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive. How to donate blood Download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device 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 have to 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 here or use the Blood Donor App.