ODESSA, Texas — Odessa Battle of the Badges is set to start Wednesday, June 5.
The Odessa Police Department and Odessa Fire Department are coming together to donate blood while also challenging the community to donate as well.
Vitalant says that the blood drive is essential each year because it gets harder to maintain a robust blood supply coming into the summer months.
"[For] first time donors, just make sure you eat something right before you donate," Vitalant Account Manager Beatrice Martinez said. "They'll take care of you. Basically, our longtime donors are getting older and so we're needing younger donors to step up to the plate. So, and then the demand is higher as well, you know, with more accidents or trauma patients, the demand is definitely higher."
Anyone who donates will get a special Battle of the Badges shirt.
The drive kicks off Wednesday June 5 at the Odessa Fire Rescue located at 1100 W 2nd St. from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. It will continue Thursday at the Odessa Police Department located at 205 N. Grant St. from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The competition will end on Friday from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Everyone is welcome to donate. To schedule an appointment, call 877-25-VITAL or visit their website. Walk-ins are also welcomed. Be sure to tell the staff which team the donation will be for at the appointment.