A spirited competition between Bristol’s first responders is slated for Friday, June 23, to generate much-needed blood donations for our community during the busy summer travel season.
Battle of the Badges is sponsored by Marsh Regional Blood Center and will be hosted by the City of Bristol Tennessee from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Bristol Tennessee City Hall, 801 Anderson Street. Those who donate blood during this community drive can credit the Bristol Tennessee Police Department, Bristol Tennessee Fire Department, Bristol Virginia Police Department, or Bristol Virginia Fire Department for their donation. The department that generates the highest number of donations will gain bragging rights until the next blood drive.
All blood types are in high demand, and all donors will receive a free t-shirt and snack.
“This friendly competition is really a battle to save lives,” said BTPD Officer Chesney Roark, who has been instrumental in organizing the event. “Every donation made during this event will stay in our community, providing a life-saving gift to someone being treated at a local hospital, cancer center, rescue aircraft or other medical facility. The need for blood is especially critical during the summer months, so we’re asking the Bristol community to roll up a sleeve and join us for this event.”
A variety of food will be available for purchase from Mae Malee’s Spring Rolls, Uptown Cheesesteak Company, Fisher Bros Pizza, Whimsicals, and Wetzel’s Pretzels food trucks.
Walk-ins are welcome and appointments can be made online at www.bristoltn.org/battle. Several mobile blood units will be available to accommodate donors.
Donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh 110 pounds or more, eat a well-balanced meal within 4 to 6 hours of the donation, and be in good health on the day of the event. Please go to www.marshblood.com for additional information about donor eligibility.
