BY MICAH REINKE
Once again this year the Battle of the Badges Blood Drive is held at Big Creek Crossing in Hays. The American Red Cross started taking blood donations on Saturday December 28th, and will continue the following weekend from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Friday, January 3rd, and 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 4th of.
This blood drive is a friendly rivalry between the Hays Police Department, Ellis County EMS, and Hays Fire & Rescue. Each public participant can donate in honor of their desired emergency personnel or agency, the agency with the most units of blood donated toward their cause will win.
The Battle of the Badges helps the community by impacting those in need.
“There will be a very positive impact on the community from this event, it is in place to help promote the need for blood and encourage people to donate during this time of the year,” Deputy Chief of Police Brian Dawson said.
The ever-present need for donated blood is another driving force for the event.
“I believe there will be a massive impact on the community,” Kevin Haynes, an Ellis County Paramedic said. “There is a shortage of blood in the county, state, and even nation, and it is not uncommon for anyone to need a blood transfusion at any time so this event is very important in helping reduce the nation’s blood shortage.”
All are welcome and encouraged to participate and give blood this winter weekend, more information can be found on the event Facebook page.