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Contact: Jordan Gilgenbach, Communications Coordinator
952-826-0396 • jgilgenbach@ci.edina.mn.us • www.CityofEdina.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Edina Participates in “Battle of the Badges” blood drive
Edina, Minn., June 14, 2011 – The Edina Police and Fire departments are joining forces to
save lives with blood donations.
The Memorial Blood Center is challenging Fire and Police departments from the greater
Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area to participate in the “Battle of the Badges,” a
competitive, yet friendly blood drive. Officers, firefighters, friends, family and the greater
community are encouraged to donate blood in honor of their favorite police or fire
departments. The department with the greatest percent participation wins.
"We're excited about this fun and worthwhile competition. Donated blood saved our
Officer Mike Blood's life, so we know firsthand how important it is to give," said Edina
Police Chief Jeff Long.
Statistics show one out of every three people will need blood in their lifetime. According to
the Memorial Blood Center, someone needs blood every two seconds. There is always a
need for donated blood because supply is not increasing as fast as the need.
“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.”
As part of the Battle of the Badges, the City will sponsor a blood drive Wednesday, June 22,
from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Council Chambers at Edina City Hall, 4801 W. 50th St. 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.
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