LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – The 11th annual Battle of the Badges blood drive has surpassed its goal of 500 units donated, according to Vitalant. The friendly competition pits Lubbock law enforcement against Lubbock Fire Rescue in an effort to address critical blood shortages.
The Lubbock Police Department hosted an internal blood drive Tuesday, with officers and civilian employees participating in a final push to boost donations.
Blood supply runs low during summer months
Brandon Baker with Vitalant said the timing of the drive is significant, as Lubbock sees fewer residents in town during the summer.
“Every day here in West Texas, we use a lot of blood, about 100 pints of blood every single day. It’s important to have blood drives like this and others throughout the community to help with giving back to those hospitals,” Baker said.
Baker said shortages tend to increase when people are traveling and surgeries continue to be scheduled.
“There’s always shortages when people are traveling and doing surgeries, things like that. Often times, people just don’t think to donate blood and so that’s why we have this big event,” Baker said.
First responders aim to inspire community donations
Baker said the competition between Lubbock Fire Rescue and Lubbock law enforcement has been close, and their participation is intended to encourage residents to donate as well.
“They save lives every day, and this is their way of encouraging others to step up and save lives as well,” Baker said.
Baker said first-time donors can expect a quick and easy process that Vitalant staff will walk them through.
Donations needed year-round
Baker said the need for blood extends beyond the annual event and applies to a wide range of medical situations.
“Surgeries and for cancer treatments, all kinds of things. There’s no end to why a person might need blood. We just encourage you to keep coming out and donating blood this week, next week on through the end of the year because it’s truly needed,” Baker said.
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