BEAVERCREEK — Blood donations are a fight to save lives, though lately they have been at historic lows across the country.
They are so low that the American Red Cross issued the second-ever national blood supply crisis.
First responders in the Miami Valley are trying to help change that.
News Center 7’s Cody Butler was at the Battle of the Badges in Beavercreek.
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Police officers and firefighters are used to helping at the beginning of an emergency, but today’s blood drive allows them to help after that initial call for help.
“We want to always help and serve our community,” said Dustin Harrison from the Beavercreek Township Fire Department.
Versiti said 75 % of people will need blood at some point in their lives.
On October 19, Beavercreek Township Firefighters and Beavercreek Police Officers rolled up their sleeves to donate in the Battle of the Badges blood drive.
“This is something that happens when they get to the hospital, you know all the all the interventions that blood is needed for. So, it’s important for the blood banks to have a good supply of that,” Harrison said.
The friendly competition started in 2014 when they saw numbers dropping at the Peace Lutheran Church blood drives, especially in the fall and winter.
“It’s just a fun way to kind of get ourselves out there to help support their numbers, but also just to have that, that notoriety just to be out in front of the public and just show what an important opportunity it is to potentially save a life,” said David Durkin, the Beavercreek Police Community Engagement Officer.
It’s something Beavercreek Township Fire Department Assistant Chief Dustin Harrison says does help.
“We’ve had good numbers every time we do it, Harrison said. “This year happens to be Peace Lutherans 70th anniversary. So, we’re. Trying to get at least 70 donors.”
The fire department has a 6-5 advantage.
“We currently have the trophy. It’s at the fire apartment, and we’re looking to keep it again this year,” Harrison said.
“If they get ahead of us that seven-to-five, it’s really gonna need to be that push for us next year to really drive and get people to come out and support us,” Durkin said.
If you want to donate, there’s still time the blood drive is going on here until 7 p.m.
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