ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. (July 7, 2020) — This summer, Arkansas City and Winfield first responders will help save lives both on and off the clock by partnering with the American Red Cross to aid in keeping the community blood supply strong. Join first responders in helping save lives at each city’s annual Arkansas City vs Winfield Battle of the Badges Blood Drive.
The rivalry between Arkansas City and Winfield will be used as a force for good, as the first responders in each city will team up to see who can recruit the most blood donors.
Support the Arkansas City Fire Department and the Arkansas City Police Department by donating blood Friday, July 17, from noon to 6 p.m., at Central Christian Church, 206 W Central Ave.
The Winfield Fire and Police Departments will have their opportunity to help save lives and recruit the most blood donors during their drive Thursday, July 16, from noon to 6 p.m., at First United Methodist Church, 1000 Millington St.
The number of blood donors at each drive will determine who wins this year’s bragging rights.
The Winfield and Arkansas City Battle of the Badges Blood Drives comes at a time when the COVID-19 pandemic poses a threat to a strong blood supply. The Red Cross urgently needs donors to help prevent a shortage.
“We are so indebted to these two communities first responders for their continued commitment to helping with “blood collection during the summer months,” said Tammy McCune, Red Cross account manager, Kansas/Oklahoma Region. “The Battle of the Badges Blood Drive remains an important way for residents in Arkansas City and Winfield to support these local heroes and help save a life by giving blood.”
To celebrate the upcoming release of the film WONDER WOMAN 1984, the American Red Cross and WONDER WOMAN 1984 are working together to encourage fans and blood donors to help save the day by giving blood this July. Fans and blood donors who come to donate July 1-31 will automatically be entered for a chance to win an authentic WONDER WOMAN 1984 movie prop replica package which includes: The Golden Lasso and a pair of Gauntlets, identical to WONDER WOMAN’s from the film.* Terms and conditions apply and can be found at RedCrossBlood.org/WonderWoman1984.
The Red Cross strongly encourages appointments to ensure social distancing. Make an appointment to give blood at the 2020 Manhattan Battle of the Badges Blood Drive by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) and use sponsor code ArkCityKs or Winfield.
How to donate blood
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 in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), 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 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.