LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – Lubbock’s blood bank is reporting supplies are at an extremely low level as the Battle of the Badges blood drive gets underway this week at South Plains Mall.
The Lubbock Police Department and the Lubbock County Sheriff’s Office are competing against Lubbock Fire Rescue to see which agency can encourage more people to donate blood.
Turnout slower than previous years
Vitalant Senior Account Manager Stephanie Pointer said the drive has seen a slower start than usual.
“It’s been a little bit harder for some reason this year, I think, with all blood drives,” Pointer said. “But it seems like especially we haven’t had the push at this one that we have in years past.”
Pointer said the drive was created 11 years ago to increase donations during a period of critical need. She said summer months consistently strain the blood supply.
“A lot of times in the summer months, we lose a lot of high school and college donors,” Pointer said. “People go on vacations and take time off. So that really impacts the blood supply. And then you top that with having a lot of traumas because people are out on motorcycles and boating, and then you still have to keep up with your cancer patients needing blood and all of those things.”
Type O donations are especially needed this year, according to Pointer.
First responders make the case for donating
Firefighter Zeth Hernandez said the need for donated blood is something he sees on the job.
“So 70 percent of our calls are medical calls,” Hernandez said. “Just being able to come in here, give blood, because we might see a couple traumas a day.”
Deputy Alexis Brown said community service extends beyond emergency response.
“It’s all interconnected,” Brown said. “So taking the time when we have it to do events like this and show up is a part of the service as well as answering the 911 call. It kind of all goes hand in hand.”
Bragging rights on the line
Despite the shared mission, the competition between law enforcement and fire remains a point of pride for both sides.
“We are the best in blue,” Brown said. “I know my brothers and sisters across all the agencies will be showing up and turning out as they can. So we’re going to do what we need to do to win.”
Hernandez had a message for potential donors.
“It’s all good fun, but we always want to beat them. So make sure if you come out and donate blood, tell them you’re there to support fire, not PD.”
Pointer said donating takes 45 minutes or less and requires only a valid ID. The blood drive is at the South Plains Mall every day through Sunday, July 19 from noon to 6 p.m., near the Pretzelmaker.
Donors can walk in or call ahead to make an appointment. Donors will receive a free t-shirt, two free movie tickets and two popcorn vouchers. Adults will also be entered to win a car.
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