COLUMBUS, Ind. – City of Columbus and Bartholomew County public safety agencies will participate in a friendly “Battle of the Badges” blood drive this Friday, December 5, 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 agencies. The victor 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 take place at the Community First Hub at Nexus Park, 2380 25th St., on Friday 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.
Columbus Fire Department Public Information Officer Captain Mike Wilson stated that the support for the blood drive among the agencies involved, Nexus Park, and Versiti Blood Center, has been strong.
The ultimate goal is to get donors to come out and give blood. Versiti Blood Center reports that only 5% of those eligible to donate blood do so.
Versiti is planning a kids’ activity area and will provide snacks, as well as a thank-you gift to donors.
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.
