News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Putnam County residents can support their favorite emergency agency by participating in this year’s Battle of the Badges Blood Drive.
The one day Blood Assurance event Friday is a competition to see who can raise the most blood. EMS Chief Tommy Copeland said even though a trophy is up for grabs, the main goal is to fill the need for blood together.
“We are critically low, and like I said, Blood Assurance provides all the blood that is used at Cookeville Regional and in the Upper Cumberland area,” Copeland said. “I really encourage everybody to go out and give blood.”
Copeland said you can donate in the name of agencies such as the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office or EMS.
“Even if you are not a law enforcement or paramedic, come in and donate to your preferred agency,” Copeland said. “You can donate to your preferred agency. You can donate in the name of Cookeville Police Department, Putnam County Sheriff’s Department, Putnam County EMS. Even if you are not a member of those agencies, donate for us and help us beat the other agencies.”
The Blood Assurance offices on Broad Street and a blood drive bus on County Services Road are the two locations accepting. For every donation, Blood Assurance will give $10 to the Carmen Burnett Fund.
“That is a very special thing they are doing this year, because of the COVID and some of those restrictions,” Copeland said. “Blood Assurance has vowed to donate $10 to the Carmen Burnett Fund CPR Fund for everyone that donates blood. That is a thing that will help continue that cause to teach people CPR for free.”
The Broad Street location will accept donations from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.. The bus will operate from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Copeland said for those worried about COVID and drawing blood to not worry. All precautions will be taken to ensure donor safety.
Copeland said if you can not participate on Friday, you may donate a day or two later but make sure to specify which agency you are giving for.
