Rock County Law Enforcement and emergency medical personnel will challenge the Luverne Fire Department in a friendly competition to see which department can recruit the most donors for the community’s blood supply for the Ninth Annual “Heroes Behind the Badges” next week.
Donations will be accepted from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and from 3 to 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 11, at Sanford Luverne. Donors are encouraged to designate their blood in honor of the department of their choice. The department with the most donations will receive the traveling trophy and bragging rights for the year.
“The community’s support toward the community’s blood supply and this event is crucial in ensuring an adequate blood supply for Sanford Luverne,” said Ken Versteeg, Community Blood Bank director.
“Throughout the last two weeks, we have seen a marked increase (15 percent) in blood usage, which has placed a strain on the blood supply. This challenge between the departments provides the public a chance to say thank you to the law enforcement, EMS and fire personnel and make a significant impact in many lives in the community.”
Donors must be at least 17 years old (16 years old with a signed parent consent form), weigh 110 pounds or more and be in good general health.
It is recommended that a person eat and drink plenty of fluids prior to donating blood and bring an ID at the time of donation.
For more information about the Heroes Behind the Badges event, go to www.cbblifeblood.org or call 283-2321.
Community Blood Bank is the sole provider of blood to Sanford Luverne and 33 other local hospitals.
Community Blood Bank is not affiliated with other blood bank organizations and takes pride in being a self-sufficient organization, thanks to the generosity of our local blood donors.