The ninth annual Battle of the Badges Blood Drive runs now through Aug. 6.
During the battle, firefighters, policemen and sheriffs challenge New Mexicans to donate blood. First responders will be at drives to recruit blood donors and donate themselves, as well as competing for votes.
It takes 300 blood donations a day to meet the needs of area patients and to be ready for emergencies. Blood donated with Vitalant helps save the lives of patients in 47 different hospitals throughout New Mexico and the Four Corners.
Locally, blood donations have decreased to a dangerously low level. The shelf life for blood is 42 days, so an ongoing supply is necessary.
Donors will receive a commemorative T-shirt and may vote for a favorite first responder’s team.
Donors must be at least 16 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good health. Additional height/weight requirements apply to donors 23 and younger, and donors who are 16 and 17 years old must have signed permission from a parent or guardian.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (505) 246-1457 or visit www.Vitalant.org and enter sponsor code NMBattle.
For more information on the battle, visit www.vitalant.org/NMBattle.
