By Adam Studzinski
BLOOMINGTON – Eligible blood donors in Bloomington-Normal are being asked to roll up their sleeves and partner with local first responders this week in the 17th annual American Red Cross Badges for Life blood donation campaign.
“This campaign is really important,” said Red Cross spokesman Ben Corey. “It’s a good opportunity for folks in the area not only to partner with their local heroes, but also to help save lives in the process by donating blood.”
Corey added this year’s campaign comes at an important time.
“Right now the red cross is facing a looming shortage of the most needed blood types,” said Corey. “We need all eligible donors with types O-negative, B-negative, and A-negative blood to give during the campaign to help prevent an emergency shortage.”
Over the last 16 years, Badges for Life has brought in more than 3,700 units of blood. Corey called that number “quite significant.”
“One blood donation can help potentially help save up to three lives. So the Bloomington-Normal community has really come out strong over the last 16 years to give and help patients in need,” he said.
There will be six blood drives in the Twin Cities this week:
Monday from 2:30-6:30 p.m. at American Red Cross, 1 Westport Court in Bloomington.
Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. & 2-6 p.m. at Bloomington Police Department, 305 S. East St. in Bloomington.
Tuesday from 1:30-5:30 p.m. at Bloomington Fire Department Station 2, 1911 Hamilton Road in Bloomington.
Wednesday from 1-6 p.m. at Normal Fire Department, 1300 E. College Ave. in Normal.
Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Normal Police Department, 100 E. Phoenix in Normal.
Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with the McLean County Sheriff’s Department at the Law and Justice Center, 104 W. Front St. in Bloomington.
Those wishing to give blood can download the American Red Cross Blood Donor app, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767)
As a thank you for donating, anyone who gives during this year’s campaign will receive free Monical’s Pizza and a Red Cross t-shirt.
Adam Studzinski can be reached at [email protected].
