Local agencies join forces to address emergency blood shortage

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO / WAWV) — The American Red Cross continues to experience a nation-wide emergency blood shortage and local first responders are putting on a fun event to help.

The Battle of the Badges Blood Drive will be held Wednesday and Thursday at the Vigo County YMCA.

Det. Josh Loudermilk, with THPD, and THFD Chief Darrick Scott appeared on WTWO 6:30 Today Monday morning to talk about the event and its importance. You can see the full interview at the top of the page.

When you donate, you’ll have the chance to cast your vote for your favorite first responder: Terre Haute Police or Terre Haute Fire. The friendly competition between the agencies is a fun way to address this serious issue.

Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood, according to the American Red Cross. The organization collects, processes and distributes about 40% of the nation’s blood supply.

About 62% of the U.S. population is eligible to give blood, but only about 3% donates.

All blood types are needed.

To donate during the Battle of the Badges Blood Drive, visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment and enter the sponsor code: BattleTerreHaute. You can also call 1(800) RED-CROSS.

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