Northeast News
June 26, 2012

Firefighters and police officers are asked to help keep communities safe each day when they report to work for duty. Kansas City Metro fire departments and police departments will help save lives in a different way on June 25-30 at all area Community Blood Center Donation Centers and Mobile Blood Drives.

The 17th Annual Battle for Blood will pit each of the aforementioned groups against one another in a friendly competition that helps Community Blood Center (CBC) keep an adequate supply of blood for local hospitals and patients. CBC currently has less than a half-day’s supply of O negative blood on its shelves and is urging current blood donors and first-time donors to participate in the 2012 Battle event.

“CBC needs 580 volunteers each day to donate blood in order to have a sufficient blood supply for patients in local hospitals and we are thrilled that law enforcement, firefighters and EMS personnel in Kansas City, Topeka and St. Joseph are once again stepping up to the plate to help save lives,” said David Graham, vice president of Donor and Hospital Services for CBC.

Stann Tate, director of marketing for CBC added that summer is an important time for the organization.

“CBC sees a significant decrease in blood donors during the summer. That’s why it’s important for not only police and firefighters to donate, but it’s just as important for all citizens to donate blood at this event as well,” Tate said.

All blood donated with CBC stays within the community, Graham said.

To find a Community Blood Center Mobile Blood Drive or Donation Center near you, visit www.savealifenow.org.

About giving blood:
•Giving blood is safe and simple.
•Donors must be at least 16 years of age, weigh a minimum of 115 pounds and be in good health.
•All registered donors will receive a free Battle for Blood T-shirt and have the opportunity to enter to win MLB All-Star Tickets. Additionally, registered donors in high school can enter to win an Amazon Kindle Fire tablet PC.