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JACKSONVILLE, N.C. (WITN) – People showed up in Jacksonville on Thursday to support their fire and police departments while donating and possibly helping save lives.
The Battle of the Badges was held at the Jacksonville Commons Recreation Complex from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. A steady stream of people came in to donate blood to the American Red Cross.
Officials hope the friendly competition brings people in to fill the need the American Red Cross says is being seen across the country.
The Red Cross says blood donations have fallen to a four-year summer low, worsening this summer’s emergency storage.
“It’s just a friendly competition between us and the police department, but just like we do every day, we are here to save lives and help our community. So that’s what we are out here doing today,” said Amy Procopio, Jacksonville Fire Department deputy chief.
The American Red Cross says while thousands of people have stepped up to help, the blood supply isn’t rebuilding fast enough to keep up with hospital demands.
Today’s event goal was to collect 150 units of blood that can save up to 450 lives.
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