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2019 Boots and Badges Blood Drive

Local emergency responders join blood drive challenge

Community urged to support fire, law enforcement in competition for blood donations

From the Local Chapter of the American Red Cross:

As summer kicks off with Memorial Day weekend, Columbia Fire and Police Departments and Richland County Sheriff’s Office are teaming with the American Red Cross for the 8th annual Boots and Badges blood drive to see who can recruit the most eligible donors to donate blood. The Boots and Badges blood drive is an opportunity for community members to help save lives by rolling up their sleeves on Friday, May 24 from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Charles Drew Wellness Center and Decker Center.

“The American Red Cross has a critical shortage of type O blood donations and urges type O donors – as well as eligible donors of all blood types – to give to help ensure hospitals are ready the moment an injured patient arrives,” said Rebecca Jordan, executive director, Red Cross Central SC chapter. “By hosting this blood drive, fire and law enforcement units are helping ensure that blood is readily available for emergencies.”

Donors’ blood donations will help decide who wins bragging rights and a trophy. Presenting donors will be entered for a chance to attend a celebration lunch. Five lucky winners will be chosen to have lunch with the CPD and CFD chiefs and Richland County Sheriff.

All those who present to donate during the blood drive campaign will receive a free T-shirt and $10 Visa gift card courtesy of Suburban Propane, while supplies last. In thanks, all those who come to donate blood will also receive a $5 Amazon.com Gift Card via email. (Restrictions apply; see amazon.com/gc-legal. More information and details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Together.)

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 (16 with parental consent in some states), 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 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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