Battle of the Badges: Let the blood donations begin

An event that combines a friendly competition between Folsom first responders with a lifesaving blood drive is returning to Folsom. The Battle of the Badges Blood Drive is hosted by the Folsom Fire and Police Departments in partnership with Vitalant. Donors can cast a vote for either Folsom Fire or Folsom Police; Folsom Police were the champions of the blood drive last year. Will the Police Department recruit more blood donors again or will there be an upset by the Folsom Fire Department? Time will tell. The event is all in fun, of course, and helps to raise much-needed blood supplies for Vitalant. The summer months are typically a slower time period for donations due to people going on vacation and students being out of school, so blood drives such as this become especially pivotal. The blood drive will take place Wednesday, June 3, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Folsom Community Center, 52 Natoma Street. All donors will receive a Battle of the Badges T-shirt while supplies last. The donation process takes about one hour. Donors are encouraged to eat well, drink plenty of water before donating and bring a photo ID. Appointments are recommended and can be scheduled at donors.vitalant.org, using blood drive code 100560023 or by calling 877-258-4825. Walk-ins will be accommodated as space allows.