First responders are urging you to roll up your sleeves and donate blood at Battle of the Badges. This quarterly competition pits Bend Fire, Bend Police, the Sheriff’s Office, and Search and Rescue against each other to see who can collect the most blood donations.

With January being National Blood Donor Month, the American Red Cross is encouraging people to donate now, more than ever. Just after a series of blizzards hit the Midwest, the foundation said its behind on supply collection.

The American Red Cross encourages donors to give blood now to help protect the blood supply from the ongoing impact of severe winter weather and wildfires. Donors of

Texans who are eligible to donate blood are being called upon by the Red Cross. Not only are we at critical levels for certain blood types here locally, but as the manager of 40 percent of blood supply for the nation.