Carson City Nugget hosting Battle of the Badges blood drive Tuesday

Carson City Nugget is hosting Battle of the Badges blood drive from noon to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, when the Carson City Fire Department and Sheriff’s Office compete to see which department can collect the most blood.

The event’s goal is to make sure there is a sufficient quantity of blood products for anyone in the Carson City area who needs a blood transfusion for elective and trauma surgeries.

“We want all eligible blood donors in our community to be aware of our need for blood donations and how blood donations save the lives of friends, families and loved ones,” said Erin Goff of United Blood Services. “Blood donations are essential for our community’s hospital patients and other critically ill people in our community needing a blood transfusion to sustain life. Today is a great time to make your decision to donate a pint of blood.”

Every blood donor at the event will be entered in a drawing to win a 2015 Toyota Corolla compliments of the Northern Nevada Toyota Dealers, and a special edition T-shirt. Donors will also earn points in the Hero in Me donor loyalty program. Points can be redeemed for prizes like movie tickets and T-shirts.

United Blood Services of Reno is the sole blood products supplier to 20 hospitals in Northern Nevada and it needs approximately 125 blood donations every day to meet the increasing demand for their three principal blood products that are red blood cells, platelets and plasma.

To make an appointment to give blood, go to www.BloodHero.com, or call 1-800-696-4484.