Shakopee Police Department asking for blood

Shakopee Valley News

While they are most likely not vampires, the Shakopee police do need blood.

The department is participating in the Battle of the Badges blood drive, sponsored by Memorial Blood Centers, where community police and fire departments compete against other local cities to raise the most donated blood.

The drive will be Aug. 24 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the training room at the Shakopee Police Department.

“It’s a friendly competition,” Shakopee Police Department Administrative Assistant Cristie Lesko said. “It’s also a community thing. They want the community to get involved.”

And there’s a critical need for blood.

Blood donations drop in the summer and blood is necessary every two seconds, but can only be stored for 42 days — constant donations are vital, according to the Memorial Blood Centers website.

The American Red Cross issued an emergency call in July for more blood donations. The organization realized there were about 61,000 less donations than needed, according to its website.

“I think it’s a pretty critical thing that people don’t really realize until maybe your loved one or you need it,” Lesko said.

To sign up for the blood drive, visit www.mbcherohub.club and enter the department’s sponsor number, 4551. All blood types are needed, but especially O-, A-, B- and B+.

Donators can fill out an online health form on the day of donation at Memorial Blood Center’s iDonate portal.