SUFFOLK, Va. — Suffolk Sheriff's Office hosted a 'Battle of the Badges' blood drive in partnership with the city’s Police and Fire and Rescue Departments on Wednesday to try to boost awareness about the need for blood donations.
The Suffolk Sheriff’s Office said they started this blood drive in 2021 with the Police and Fire Department to help address the nation’s blood shortage, which continues to persist today.
According to the American Red Cross, they supply about 40% of the nation's blood supply including platelets and plasma.
In July, the national blood inventory declined more than 25% due to record-breaking temperatures, heat waves, deadly storms, and summer holiday plans.
The Sheriff’s office said it tries to have at least four or five donation drives per year.
