SunCoast Blood Bank Kicks Off Boots Vs. Badges; Firefighters, Law Enforcement Agree to Serve Time to Highlight Need for Blood, July 12 – 26; Campaign begins on July 12 from 9 am to 2 pm at Westfield Southgate Mall

SunCoast Blood Bank Kicks Off Boots Vs. Badges

Firefighters, Law Enforcement Agree to Serve Time to Highlight Need for Blood

Sarasota, FL – First responders from Sarasota County are helping SunCoast Blood Bank (SCBB) avert a blood shortage this summer. Law enforcement and firefighting agencies are joining forces for the 9^th annual Boots vs. Badges campaign, which runs July 12 – 26. The goal is to raise more than 300 units of blood during the friendly competition between law enforcement and firefighters.

The campaign will kick off on July 12 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Westfield Southgate Mall, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota.  Firefighters and law enforcement will go head to head to see who can encourage the most people to roll up their sleeves and donate.  The highlight of the day will have firefighters held in a makeshift jail, and law enforcement in a makeshift bucket, until the goal of 150 units of blood is reached.  Sarasota Police Chief Bernadette DiPino, will take the final shift  of the day, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. to encourage the public to donate.

The kickoff event is sponsored by WWSB ABC 7.  Maverick from 106.5 WCTQ will broadcast live.  The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office will host a mini SWAT course for the kids. There will be fire trucks and law enforcement vehicles on hand for tours, and Bayflite 2 will fly in.  TooJay’s and Pretzel Twister will provide treats throughout the day.

About SCBB – SunCoast Blood Bank (SCBB) is a registered 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization providing a reliable supply of safe blood products and services to our community for over 60 years.  SCBB provides 100% of the blood products and services for Sarasota Memorial Healthcare System, Manatee Memorial Hospital, Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, Doctors Hospital of Sarasota, Complex Care Hospital of Ridgelake, HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Sarasota, Surgery Center at St. Andrews Venice, North Port Emergency Room, Fawcett Memorial Hospital of Port Charlotte, Englewood Community Hospital, DeSoto Memorial Hospital and Bayflite 2. SCBB is recognized as a distinguished provider with outstanding customer service and the ability to provide rare blood services onsite. For more information, visit scbb.org.

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