American Red Cross – Cascades Region – 08/16/22 10:47 AM
Salem Fire and Police go above and beyond call of duty to help prevent blood shortage
Portland, Ore (August 16, 2022) — Salem, Oregon first responders are gearing up to see which department can recruit the most blood donors during the American Red Cross Battle of the Badges blood drive competition on August 17th and 18th at the Salem Police Department, 333 Division Street NE, from 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
During the Battle of the Badges Blood drive Salem Police and Salem Fire Departments will compete to see who can recruit the most blood donors. The blood drive encourages community members to join local first responders to help save lives. At the blood drive, donors will vote for their favorite agency after they donate and the winning team of first responders is announced at the end of the drive on day two.
“We, and our public safety partners at Salem Police, love a good challenge, but for this battle, the clear champions are the community members who will be rolling up their sleeves with us to respond to this great need,” said Brian Carrara, Deputy Fire Chief, Salem Fire Department.
The American Red Cross has faced a concerning drop in blood and platelet donations this summer causing the blood supply to shrink nearly 20% last month.
“Saving lives and helping others has always been the top priority for our first responders and with the Red Cross seeing a dip in donations this summer, this event is more important than ever,” said Angel Montes, Donor Services Executive, Red Cross Cascades Region. “By helping replenish the blood supply, first responders go above and beyond the call of duty.”
Not able to donate during the Salem Battle of the Badges? Visit one of the drives below:
Upcoming blood donation opportunities Aug. 16-31:
8/17
- Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 3017 NW 18th Ave., Camas, WA, 2pm – 7pm
- Concorde Career College Portland, 1425 NE Irving St., Building 100, 10:30am-4pm
8/19
- Peoples Community Federal Credit Union, 7403 NE Hazel Dell Ave Vancouver, WA, 10am – 3pm
- Milwaukie Community Center, 5440 SE Kellogg Creek Dr., 9:30am-2:30pm
8/22
- First United Methodist Church-Ashland, 175 N. Main St., 10am-3pm
- Little Big Burger – Beaverton, 12345 SW Horizon Blvd #41, 11am-5pm
8/25
- Queen of Peace Catholic Church- Salem, 4227 Lone Oak Rd SE, 12pm-6pm
8/29
- Starbucks Springfield, 3348 Gateway St., 10am-4pm
To find a blood donation site near you, visit www.redcrossblood.org and enter your zip code.
As a thank-you, all who come to give Aug. 1-31 will be automatically entered for a chance to win gas for a year, a $6,000 value. There will be three lucky winners. Everyone who comes to give blood or platelets in August will also receive a $10 e-gift card to a merchant of choice. Donors can schedule an appointment to give using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Blood drive safety
The Red Cross follows a high standard of safety and infection control. The Red Cross will continue to socially distance wherever possible at blood drives, donation centers and facilities. While donors are no longer required to wear a face mask, individuals may choose to continue to wear a mask for any reason. The Red Cross will also adhere to more stringent face mask requirements per state and/or local guidance, or at the request of blood drive sponsors. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at a drive.
Oregon and Washington still require face masks be worn at all blood drives and donation sites.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
