An annual event to pay homage to 9/11, first responders and support the community is in the preparation phases this week.
Local emergency responders facing off in a friendly competition for a lifesaving cause are inviting the community to join in the fun of the 10th annual Battle of the Badges event that kicks off Monday, Sept. 6, and concludes the following Monday, Sept. 12.
The weeklong event is sponsored by WJHL and held in conjunction with the American Red Cross. According to information provided by the Red Cross, the Northeast Tennessee Chapter of the organization assisted 336 families after a disaster and trained over 4,300 people in first aid, CPR and AED. Also, 280 volunteers aided in those endeavors, along with other events.
Organizing such an event is key for the community and a perfect way to remember the tragic events of September 11, 2001, according to American Red Cross External Communications Manager Krystal Overmyer.
“There’s no better way to honor the sacrifices of many than by hosting a blood drive and supporting the local emergency responders,” Overmyer told the Elizabethton Star Wednesday. “The Red Cross and emergency agencies are dedicated and embedded within these communities to be available if a disaster hits and we appreciate their service.”
Throughout the week, blood drives will be held throughout Northeast Tennessee to coincide with the commemoration of Sept. 11. Overmyer encourages individuals to stop by and give blood as a way to remember those who lost their lives during the event and honor the responders who assisted in the aftermath, and continue to serve their communities to this day.
“This annual blood drive is one way we can honor our first responders for what they do every day in our communities,” said Tom Hensley, Red Cross account manager. “Giving blood is one way to honor these local heroes, while becoming a hero yourself to a patient in need.”
Blood received during the Battle of the Badges event will help the Red Cross serve another population — patients in need, Overmyer added.
Every two seconds in the United States, blood and platelets are needed to respond to patient emergencies. In a press release issued by the organization this week, the Red Cross must collect approximately 14,000 blood and platelet donations every day for patients at about 2,600 hospitals and transfusion centers worldwide.
Along with seconding the sentiments of Hensley, Overmyer added that participants have an opportunity to vote for their emergency response agency.
At the conclusion of the event, votes will be tallied and the winning Battle of the Badges agency gets a Battle of the Badges plaque to be displayed within their department.
“Donors are encouraged to vote for any first responder agency of their choosing,” she said. “That includes fire, police, county sheriff, EMS, city … any group. It is a perfect way for somebody to give back. All it takes is just a few minutes out of a person’s day. We encourage everybody to stop by each location to donate. The real winners of the Battle of the Badges are the patients that receive the blood.”
The schedule for the Battle of the Badges includes:
Tuesday, Sept. 6 – Jonesborough Visitors Center from 1-5:30 p.m. and the American Red Cross Johnson City Blood Donation Center from 2:30 to 7 p.m.
Wednesday, Sept. 7 – American Red Cross Johnson City Blood Donation Center from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Thursday, Sept. 8 – Johnson City Municipal Building from noon to 5:30 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 9 – First Christian Church of Erwin from noon to 5:30 p.m.
Monday, Sept. 12 – Oak Street Baptist Church in Elizabethton from 1:30 to 6 p.m.
Overmyer added with excitement that residents of Elizabethton have the last chance to dictate how votes will be finalized. Participants that donate will also receive a coupon by email for a free haircut at Sport Clips and a 9/11 Day donor sticker to show they paid tribute for the event by giving blood.
Donors are encouraged to make an appointment by calling 1-800-Red Cross, visiting redcrosblood.org or by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App.