The annual Battle of the Badges blood drive kicked off this week with friendly competition between Austin Police Department, Austin Fire Department, Austin and Travis County EMS, and Travis County. Each agency hosted donor stations across the metro area over a two-week period.
Results
By the end of the drive, the four agencies had collected more than 850 units of whole blood, double red cells, and platelets. The donations support local hospitals during the busy summer trauma season when blood supplies are typically lowest.
Thank you to donors
Travis County thanks every employee, family member, and resident who rolled up a sleeve. Special recognition goes to first-time donors, who account for nearly 30% of this year's contributions. We Are Blood, the regional blood center, reports that one donation can save up to three lives.
What's next
The next blood drive is planned for the fall. Watch for announcements in the News and Events section, and consider scheduling a donation between competitions through the We Are Blood website.
