The Badges Are Battling, and They're Drawing Blood

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA (01/22/2008)(readMedia)-- Nearly 40 federal, state and local law-enforcement agencies (see attached list) are partnering with the American Red Cross Blood Services, Southern California Region, to hold the 2nd Annual Battle of the Badges Blood Drive held throughout Los Angeles County, January 28 through February 1. The agencies collecting the most units of blood and the most units of blood per capita will win an award. Person who would like to make an appointment to donate blood or platelets for the Battle of the Badges Blood Drive can log on to www.socalredcross.org, and click on the Battle of the Badges logo.

“Blood supplies typically fall to critically low levels during the winter months,” explains Charles Wilcox, CEO of the American Red Cross Blood Services, Southern California Region. “Unfortunately, few people realize the grave need or the constant need for donations to ensure an adequate blood supply. The Battle of the Badges is a great opportunity for all badge carrying personnel, including friends and family, to positively affect our community’s blood supply by competing in a friendly competition to see who can donate the most blood and ultimately save the most lives.”

Everyone who signs up to donate blood or platelets at one of the Battle of the Badges Blood Drive locations (see attached list) will receive a commemorative Battle of the Badges T-shirt, a coupon good for $10 at Mimi’s Café, and a chance to win prizes in a drawing. Prizes are non-transferable and not redeemable for cash. American Red Cross employees are not eligible.

“I am thrilled to see the incredible support and number of our law-enforcement friends participating in the 2nd annual Battle of the Badges,” states Chief Loretta M. Martin of the U. S. Probation Office. “There has always been a natural competition between the different departments and agencies, and it is inspiring to see this competition being used to save lives. Our goal this year is to recruit more than 500 donors and have a substantial impact on the availability of blood for accident victims, cancer patients, premature babies and burn patients.”

Any person age 17 or older (age 16 with written parental consent) and weighing at least 110 pounds may be eligible to donate blood. Eligible donors are asked to schedule an appointment to donate during the 2nd Annual Battle of the Badges Blood Drive by visiting www.socalredcross.org.

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