Battle of the Badges brings friendly competition, life-saving donations

Folsom Police were the victors once again in a friendly battle to see who could inspire more people to donate blood. The third annual Battle of the Badges was held in the Folsom Community Center on Wednesday, June 3, organized by blood supplier Vitalant and the local first responders. Donors came in, placed their vote for either Folsom PD or Fire and then donated much-needed blood. For the previous two events, Folsom Police came out ahead and once again, they won the competition. This donation drive has a fun theme, but Vitalant Communications Manager Kristin Conner said the need is extremely high for blood donations heading into summer. "Currently, the need for blood is constant but we are in need of more O-negative blood donations," said Conner. "As we are entering summer, we know schools are just starting to get out, people are starting to plan vacations, so this is always the time of year ... that the donations dip not just here regionally but across the country as well." Donations take a major dip when schools let out, as student donations play a key role in blood supplies. At the same time, summer tends to bring a higher rate of accidents due to more people traveling, which increases the need for blood. At Wednesday's Battle of the Badges, a steady stream of people flowed in to do their part to help with the regional blood supply. Folsom City Manager Bryan Whitemyer was in a chair donating blood, though he told The Folsom Telegraph he couldn't bring himself to vote for either police or fire since he's a fan of both. Longtime Folsom resident and owner of MyFolsom.com Steve Heard has been taking part in blood donations throughout his life; he said he's been donating blood through Vitalant, the American Red Cross and other organizations since the 1980s with one clear reason: "People need it," said Heard. "It doesn't hurt me and it's helping somebody else and I feel good after I do it." As for the Battle of the Badges, Heard said he loves both Folsom Police and Fire so his plan seems to be to trade off each year. "I am Team Police this year; I was Team Fire last year," Heard said with a smile. When speaking about his motivations for donating blood, Heard said it's easy to get emotional because of the weight it carries and the many lives it can help. One blood donation can save three lives. But even from a more self-serving standpoint, Heard pointed out donating blood can be good for you, too. An article from Columbia University Irving Medical Center explains that regular blood donation is linked to a lower risk of heart attacks and other health benefits. "I think everyone who is capable should consider doing this," said Heard. "And there are health benefits, too, to donating blood. It can help with blood pressure, keeps your body generating blood cells, but more importantly, it's helping somebody else." The winner of the Battle of the Badges receives a trophy they can proudly display for the next year; this year's trophy is a new design, made of glass. Folsom Police will be the owners of that prize until the next blood donation showdown, yet it's probably bragging rights that are most coveted. "Everybody has a good time with it; they tease each other and it's all for saving lives," said Conner. Battle of the Badges events have become so popular and such a draw for donors that Vitalant holds them all around the country. If you want to donate blood but missed this event, you can contact Vitalant for news on other events or arrange a time to make a donation at https://www.vitalant.org/donate