By NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The need for blood is always there, but this year's Battle of the Badges Blood Drive could not come at a more opportune time for the Red Cross.
"The Red Cross is saying that they are at a ten-year low, as far as the amount of blood that's available," said Capt. Troy Mueller with the Hutchinson Fire Department. "Normally, the blood banks try to keep a five day supply. That's what they strive for across the country. Since the pandemic started, they have struggled to keep even a one day supply available."
There are some appointment times left for the drive.
"There's about ten appointment spots left for today, ten for tomorrow and 15 for Wednesday, which is really good," Mueller said. "They've got close to a little over 100 appointments a day. With just a little over 35 appointments out of three hundred some appointments, that's a pretty good showing. They do ask that if you can't keep your appointment, to be sure and cancel it so that other people can."
Also, they ask that everyone get an appointment if you want to give, but other than that, it's a simple process.
"They make the process seamless," said Fire Chief Steven Beer. "You just show up, they do all the work. You sit there, they give you a snack afterwards and they take care of you. Again, at the end of the day, you did something positive for the community."
The blood drive is today from noon until 7 p.m.; Tuesday from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m.; and Wednesday from 7 a.m. until 1 p.m. all at the First Presbyterian Church at 201 E. Sherman.
Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
You can schedule an appointment by visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED-CROSS.