BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) — The Kern County Fire Department, Kern County Sheriff’s Office, Bakersfield Police and Bakersfield Fire Department are inviting the community to be a lifesaver at the Battle of the Badges Blood Drive with the American Red Cross on Wednesday.
The Battle of the Badges is a friendly competition to encourage community members to join their local first responders and perform their own heroic act with a blood donation while helping ensure a stable blood supply for hospital patients.
The blood products collected at this blood drive will help treat trauma, accident and burn victims, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease.
In addition, Red Cross is testing blood donations for COVID-19 antibodies. The test may indicate if the donor’s immune system has produced antibodies to this coronavirus, regardless of whether an individual developed COVID-19 symptoms. Plasma from whole blood donations that test positive for COVID-19 antibodies may also help coronavirus patients in need of convalescent plasma transfusions.
When donors arrive, they will be able to choose the local agency they’re supporting which means donors’ blood donations will help decide which agency wins bragging rights until the next event.
The blood drive is taking place Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the DoubleTree by Hilton on 3100 Camino Del Rio Ct.
Find out more about how to donate here.
