Monday, volunteers were on hand at the St. Rose Auditorium for the day-long ‘Battle of the Badges’ blood drive that has become an annual tradition in Great Bend.  Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellendir,  Great Bend Chief of Police Dean Akings and Great Bend Fire Chief Mike Napolitano were some of the first in line to roll up their sleeves to give blood. Community members who donate blood can vote for their favorite agency. The winning agency gets bragging rights for the year.
“This is a chance for our heroes to inspire community members to be heroes too,” said Dan Fox, spokesperson with the American Red Cross.  Similar blood drives are held around the country, and the Red Cross has seen an increase in donors and community involvement as a result.  
This is especially important during the summer months, Fox said.  During the summer, more people engage in activities that could result in the need for blood, while people who normally donate may be away on vacations or involved in other activities.  
High schools, colleges and universities that hold blood drives account for 20 percent of all units, Fox said.  And many first time donors give for the first time at these drives, helping to build a habit the American Red Cross will continue throughout adulthood.  
Weather can be a factor, too.  Donations of blood go down both during periods of severe storms and also when the heat index is high.
“We’re seeing a situation where not as many donations have been collected as expected,” he said.  “Drives like these can help prevent a seasonal shortage.  We’re not there, and we don’t want to be there.”
In May, Great Bend fell a little short of its goal of 107 units, bringing in only 86 instead.  Luckily, the drive in March surpassed its goal, bringing in 132 units.  Last July, 136 units were collected in Great Bend, an excellent turnout by American Red Cross standards.  
Results of the 2014 Battle of the Badges was unavailable at press time.