Donate blood and vote for your favorite Joplin first responders as they compete for the traveling trophy
(JOPLIN, MO) – Joplin first responders are teaming up with Community Blood Center of the Ozarks (CBCO), the sole supplier of blood, plasma, and platelets to patients at more than 40 area hospitals for the fifth annual Joplin Boots, Badges and Bandages Community Challenge Blood Drive, taking place on Friday, July 24.
Donors will receive a limited-edition Boots, Badges and Bandages T-shirt and a chance to enter to win a $10,000 dream vacation giveaway to the destination of their choice.
The blood drive will take place on Friday, July 24 at Joplin Public Safety Training Center, 5102 N. Swede Lane. Drive hours are from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
The Boots, Badges and Bandages Community Challenge Blood Drive is a powerful way for residents to support local patients while honoring the commitment of area fire, police, and EMS teams. This friendly competition awards a traveling trophy to the agency with the most donor support. Hosted by Community Blood Center of the Ozarks, the sole provider of blood, platelets, and plasma to over 40 hospitals, including Freeman Health System and Mercy Hospital Joplin, the event helps support a stable blood supply during a season when donations often decline.
Area leaders continue to rally behind this lifesaving event, joining CBCO in encouraging the community to donate blood and help ensure local patients have the blood they need.
“The Joplin Fire Department is proud to once again support the Boots, Badges and Bandages Blood Drive. Each year, we see our community come together to give the gift of life, and it is truly inspiring. As first responders we witness firsthand the critical need for blood. Your donation could truly save someone’s life.” said Gerald Ezell, Fire Chief Joplin Fire Department.
Police Chief Joplin Police Department, Richard Pearson added, “The Joplin Police Department is honored to partner with Community Blood Center of the Ozarks for the fifth year of this lifesaving event. Blood donations save lives right here in our community. This drive comes at a critical time, in summer when donations typically drop, but the need for blood often increases. Whether your Team Fire, Team Police, Team EMS or just Team Joplin, your support makes a real difference.”
“In emergency situations, having blood available can mean the difference between life and death. That is why we are proud to join the Joplin Boots, Badges and Bandages blood drive. It is a powerful opportunity for the community to come together, support one another, and ensure that lifesaving blood is there when it is needed most. We are honored to stand alongside our fellow first responders for this impactful blood drive,” stated Jason Smith, EMS Chief METS Ambulance.
To help avoid wait times, appointments are strongly encouraged. Donors can schedule an appointment at www.cbco.org/bootsandbadges or by calling 417.227.5006.
Photo identification required. Please eat well and drink plenty of fluids prior to donating.
About Community Blood Center of the Ozarks:
Community Blood Center of the Ozarks is the exclusive provider of blood, plasma, and platelets to patients at more than 40 area hospitals in southwest Missouri, northwest Arkansas, and southeast Kansas. More than 60,000 donations of blood are required each year to meet the local transfusion needs of our friends and neighbors. To learn more, visit www.cbco.org
Reference:
Michelle Teter, Media Relations Representative
Community Blood Center of the Ozarks
417.224.4898
teterm@cbco.org
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