Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. (Aug. 7, 2018) — Each day, local first responders help save lives while on the job, and now they’re teaming up with the American Red Cross. Join Bloomington and Normal police, fire, and McLean County Sheriff’s Departments as they come together to give blood and help recruit others to give blood for patients in need. Individuals can donate Aug. 28-31 at local departments in Bloomington and Normal.
Honoring local fire and law enforcement personnel, while raising the awareness to help save lives through blood donation, is a long-standing tradition in Bloomington and in Normal. The Badges for Life Blood Drive marks a twenty-year partnership with the Red Cross and has collected nearly 4,400 blood donations.
“We are so proud of all our first responders for coming together and supporting this fun, and lifesaving challenge,” said Steve Stoewer, donor recruitment account manager for the Heart of America Blood Services Region of the Red Cross. “The need for blood is great and constant, and at the end of the day, our community is the ultimate winner of the Battle.”
These blood drives come as the Red Cross faces an emergency blood shortage and is issuing an urgent call for blood and platelet donors to give now so patients can continue to receive the lifesaving treatment they need. Right now, blood products are being distributed to hospitals faster than donations are coming in. More donations are immediately needed to help replenish the blood supply. Everyone who attempts to help save lives at the Badges for Life Blood Drive will receive a free Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last. In thanks, all those who come to donate blood or platelets July 30 through Aug. 30, 2018, will receive a $5 Amazon.com Gift Card via email. (Restrictions apply; see amazon.com/gc-legal. More information and details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Together.)
“These Battle of the Badges blood drives offer a way for residents of both cities to support their local heroes and help save lives by giving blood,” said Jon Sandage, McLean County Sheriff. “Saving lives happen one donation at a time. All eligible donors are encouraged to roll up a sleeve and give the gift of life Aug. 28-31.”
Badges For Life Blood Drive
Tuesday, Aug. 28 from 8 a.m. to noon, 1 to 5 p.m.
Bloomington Police Department, 305 S. East St., Bloomington
Tuesday, Aug. 28 from 1 to 5 p.m.
Bloomington Fire Department, Station 2, 1911 Hamilton Road, Bloomington
Wednesday, Aug. 29 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Normal Police Department
Uptown Station, 11 Uptown Circle, Normal
Wednesday, Aug. 29 from 1 to 6 p.m.
Normal Fire Department, 1300 E. College Ave., Normal
Thursday, Aug. 30 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
McLean County Sheriff’s Department, Law & Justice Center, 104 W. Front St., Bloomington
Friday, Aug. 31 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Community Day
McLean County Sheriff’s Department, Law & Justice Center, 104 W. Front St., Bloomington
How to donate blood
Simply download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, from a computer or mobile device. To get started and learn more, visit RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit RedCross.org, CruzRojaAmericana.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.