Edina Hosting 'Battle of the Badges' Blood Drive

Edina's and departments are once again partnering up to help save lives through blood donations.

"Battle of the Badges," a friendly competition sponsored by Memorial Blood Centers to generate blood donations from across the metro, will see the city sponsor a blood drive from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Wednesday, June 22 at . Edina police were honored with a for their participation in a "Battle of the Badges" blood drive earlier this year.

"We're excited about this fun and worthwhile competition," said Edina Police Chief Jeff Long. "Donated blood saved our Officer Mike Blood's life, so we know firsthand how important it is to give."

The June "Battle of the Badges" runs through 8 p.m. on June 30. Participants are invited to donate blood at one of seven locations throughout the Twin Cities, simply indicating which department they would like to honor at the time of donation.

Among those departments participating in the June blood drive:

• Anoka County Sheriff
• Eden Prairie Fire
• Edina Police
• Lino Lakes C.E.R.T.
• Maple Grove Fire
• Maple Grove Police
• Minneapolis Fire
• Minneapolis Police
• Plymouth Fire
• Plymouth Police
• St. Louis Park Fire
• St. Louis Park Police
• Wayzata Fire
• Wayzata Police

The Memorial Blood Center reports one out of every three people will need a blood transfusion in their lifetime. As they report supply has not kept pace with demand, there is always a need for blood donations.

“This is a great program and it’s very important to us to give blood,” said Edina Fire Chief Marty Scheerer. “We are always trying to be participants to help out a good cause.”

To donate blood in honor of the Edina Police and Fire departments, register using sponsor code 0111 by calling 1-888-GIVE-BLD, or online at www.mbc.org.