COLUMBUS, Ind. – City of Columbus and Bartholomew County public safety agencies will participate in a friendly “Battle of the Badges” blood drive next month to collect lifesaving blood for area hospitals, boosting the much-needed supply available for emergencies, surgeries, cancer treatments, and chronic illnesses.
The winner will be crowned based on the number of donors who give blood in the name of one of the participating public safety agencies. The winning agency will also provide a pre-selected nonprofit organization with a monetary donation through the Versiti Blood Center’s “Our Mission to Yours” program.
The “Battle of the Badges” blood drive will be at the Community First Hub at Nexus Park, 2380 25th St., on Friday, December 5, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. It features six agencies, including CPD, BCSO, CFD, 911 Dispatch Center, CRH Ambulance, and the Bartholomew County Emergency Management.
These organizations are asking for the community’s help by requesting community members to donate blood in the name of one of the six agencies. The winning agency will also share a monetary donation with the local nonprofit organization that they elected to support.
Columbus Fire Department Public Information Officer, Captain Mike Wilson, said that the support for the blood drive among the agencies involved, Nexus Park, and Versiti Blood Center, has been strong. He said that the ultimate goal is to get donors to come out and give blood.
“For each department participating in this blood drive, our collective work provides a real appreciation for the value of a robust blood supply for those in need. The real winner of this battle will be those who receive the blood needed to save a life,” said Captain Mike Wilson. Versiti Blood Center cites that only 5% of those who are eligible to donate blood do so.
During the drive, competing agencies will have an information table, sharing the services each agency provides within the community. Versiti Blood Center is planning a kids’ activity area and will provide snacks. Versiti Blood Center will also be providing a thank-you gift to donors in attendance.
Those who wish to donate are asked to visit the Versiti Blood Center website, Versiti.org, and register online. Walk-ins will be permitted based on availability, and pre-registration is highly encouraged.
