In a united effort to make a difference in the community, Poplar Bluff Fire Chief Mike Moffitt and Poplar Bluff Police Chief Mike McClain have joined forces for the Battle of the Badges, a national program in collaboration with the American Red Cross. The shared goal is saving lives through blood donation.
American Red Cross Account Manager Jerrica Fox said the summer months are often the most critical time blood donations are needed.
“We see a 20% decline in donors because colleges and universities are where we get most of our blood for the year,” explained Fox. “So when they’re out we really rely on the community to step up and fill the gap.”The greatest need Fox said is for O-positive and O-negative blood types, but all blood types are needed and valued.
Chief McClain explained the simple objective of the competition, stating, “The department that collects the most blood donations will be declared the winner. But, in the end, both departments are working toward a common goal, which is to save lives.” It is this mutual commitment to the well-being of their fellow citizens that has brought the two departments together.
Fox said she recognized the potential for a fruitful partnership with Poplar Bluff’s new chiefs. “Having two recently new chiefs, I thought it could be a great partnership, and they both agreed,” Fox said. This collaboration marks a significant milestone for Poplar Bluff, as it is the first time they have teamed up with the Red Cross for such an event.
Poplar Bluff resident Bayleigh Hahn said she has donated blood more than 30 times. Her brother-in-law is in law enforcement and she came to the drive not only to show her support but because she said she recognizes the great need for blood and “just felt like it was a good thing to do.”
The Battle of the Badges blood drive is not only an opportunity to contribute to a worthy cause and assist in community involvement, but it is also a chance for donors to receive some perks. All participants will be awarded a $10 gift card sent via email and a battle-themed T-shirt, while supplies last. With vacations, graduations and ball season in full swing, the Red Cross reports increased difficulty this time of year in maintaining an adequate blood supply.
At close of the competition the PBFD has proven to be the victors of the competition by two votes. According to Fox the battle closed with 36 pints of blood donated.
The next scheduled blood drive will be at the Westwood Baptist Church on Monday, June 5, but Fox explained the Red Cross will also be accepting blood donations this weekend at the food truck festival in Van Buren. “We don’t hold blood drives on the weekends very often,” said Fox, “So hopefully some people will come out and show some support.”
To participate in this life-saving endeavor, interested individuals can register by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or by visiting RedCrossBlood.org.