Depending on how you look at it, it's a wager for which the stakes couldn't be lower or higher.
What started as a friendly bet a few years ago between police and firemen has evolved into the third annual Battle of the Badges Blood Drive, which will be held Monday through Wednesday at Dakota Square Mall in Minot.
United Blood Services of Minot is partnering with the Minot Police Employees Union and the International Association of Firefighters Local 1157 to present the blood drive, which will be held this year in the Sleep Inn and Suites Convention Center, located in the hotel on the southeast side of the mall.
The event shapes up as a friendly "competition," with police and fire teams both donating and soliciting other donors, who sign up for one team or the other before giving blood.
The Battle of the Badges is the largest community blood drive sponsored by United Blood Services in this region. Hours for Battle of the Badges are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
To schedule a blood donation appointment, contact United Blood Services at 852-2161. Walk-ins are also encouraged. United Blood Services performs blood pressure, temperature, hematocrit, pulse and total cholesterol tests on every donation.
Fact Box
Donation checklist
- Are you in good health?
- Are you at least 16 years old?
- Do you weigh at least 110 pounds?
If you answered yes to all these questions, you are eligible to donate blood every 56 days.