They want your blood
It’s that time of year when the sheriffs of Walker and Catoosa counties vie for bragging rights in their annual “Battle of the Badges” blood drive that covers.
Now in its fourth year, this “battle” is one in which blood is collected, not shed.
Both Catoosa Sheriff Gary Sisk and Walker Sheriff Steve Wilson were on Blood Assurance’s advisory board agree this fun competition energies residents to come out and donate for their county, its sheriff and their community
“The annual Battle of the Badges blood drive helps support and bring awareness to the continuous need of blood for our local hospitals, surgery centers and cancer treatment facilities,” Sheriff Sisk said. “We encourage not only our fellow emergency services to participate but also our community. It could be your family or loved one that needs this life saving service, so why not give if you can. It only takes a little of your time.”
Donors willing to give few minutes of their time, and blood, has meant years for Sheriff Wilson.
“I have always understood the importance of donating blood but it really hit home with me when I was diagnosed with a plasma cell/ blood cancer Multiple Myeloma in 2009,” he said. “I needed blood during my treatment process and I was thankful that someone — someone that I didn’t know — had donated blood.”
Each unit of whole blood collected has the potential to save three lives, live of someone undergoing treatment, having surgery or suffering from major trauma.
Since being formed in 1972 as a joint effort of the ChattanoogaHamilton County Medical Society, the Chattanooga Area Hospital Council, and the Chattanooga Jaycees, the mission of Blood Assurance has been to provide a safe and adequate supply of blood and blood components in a cost effective manner to every area patient in need.
The non-profit organization has grown to provide this life giving service to 51 counties and more than 76 health care facilities in Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina and Virginia.
Northwest Georgia, since the beginnings of Blood Assurance, has been a leader in per capita donations. Even though the outcome of the Battle of the Badges is never a foregone conclusion, the willingness of local donors is constant.
This year, donations are being accepted between the hours of 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Thursday, June 14, at either the Walker County Sheriff’s Office at 105 South Duke St. in LaFayette, or the Catoosa County Sheriff’s Office at 5842 U.S. Highway 41 in Ringgold. Donors are asked to contact their local sheriff’s office to schedule a collection time on that day.
If it is more convenient, donations for the “Battle” can be made at the Blood Assurance office, 2720 LaFayette Road in Fort Oglethorpe, during business hours June 11- 16. Upon checkin, donors should mention which sheriff is credited with their gift of life.