Patients win in annual Battle of the Badges

The following letter was submitted by Tavis Leake, Sedgwick County fire chief; Jeff Easter, Sedgwick County sheriff; Scott Hadley, director of Sedgwick County EMS; Ronald D. Blackwell, Wichita fire chief; and Nelson Mosley, Wichita interim police chief:

Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood. As first responders to emergency situations, we see that need every day. It’s why we want to encourage the Wichita and Sedgwick County communities to donate blood or platelets during the 21st-annual American Red Cross Wichita, Sedgwick County Battle of the Badges community blood drive Thursday through Jan. 3.

Our community has donated more than 23,100 pints of blood with the Red Cross during Battle of the Badges blood drives. Because each pint of blood can help up to three people, nearly 70,000 patients could have benefited from blood donated during the first 20 years of this event.

In addition to helping save lives during this event, our agencies have pride at stake and want to win the battle for votes. When you donate blood or platelets during the Battle of the Badges, don’t forget to vote for one of our sponsoring agencies – Sedgwick County EMS, Sedgwick County Fire Department, Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office, Wichita Fire Department or Wichita Police Department.

As extra incentive, all presenting donors will receive a limited edition 21st-anniversary Battle of the Badges T-shirt. There will also be various giveaways throughout the campaign.

To make an appointment to give blood during this year’s event, simply download the Red Cross blood donor app, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Though our competition is all in fun, the real winners of the Battle of the Badges are patients in need.

This story was originally published December 8, 2015 at 6:01 PM with the headline "Patients win in annual Battle of the Badges."