Donate blood at Watertown Event Center on Wednesday, Feb. 11 from 9:30am to 1:00pm and 2:30pm to 5:00pm. Click HERE to schedule a donation time.
Donate blood at Watertown Event Center on Thursday, Feb. 12 from 7:00am to 10:30am and 12:00pm to 3:00pm. Click HERE to schedule a donation time.
Watertown, SD – The Watertown Police and Fire Rescue are gearing up for the milestone 25th Annual “Heroes Behind the Badges” blood drive, a friendly competition that saves lives while strengthening community bonds. Donors will cast their vote for either the Police or Fire Department with their donation directly supporting patients at Prairie Lakes Healthcare System. The winning department earns a traveling trophy and year-long bragging rights.
The blood drive will take place on Wednesday, February 11th from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Thursday, February 12th from 7:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Watertown Event Center (1901 9th Ave. SW, Watertown, SD). To schedule an appointment, visit www.cbblifeblood.org, select “Donate Now,” then “Blood Drive Calendar,” and choose February 12th or 13th, or call 605-331-3222.
Every donor will receive an event t-shirt, $5 Beef Bucks (courtesy of Hy-Vee, County Fair Foods, and Coteau Hills Cattlemen’s Association), a $10 E-30 gift card (compliments of Glacial Lakes Energy), and a $15 Hy-Vee gift card. Additionally, donors will be entered in to a drawing for a chance to win a prime rib, compliments of Moe’s Feedlot LLC or one of four $100 Beef Bundles.
“I am grateful for Watertown’s incredible support over 25 years of this event, which has generated over 2,900 donations and brought hope to thousands of community patients,” said Ken Versteeg, Executive Director of Community Blood Bank. “We face a critical need for blood donations as demand continues to outpace supply. We’re counting on a strong turnout to impact local patients throughout the winter season.”
Donors must be at least 17 years old (16 with parental consent), weigh 110 lbs. or more, and be in good health. Eating a meal and drinking plenty of fluids before donating is recommended. Community Blood Bank operates independently and has proudly served as the sole blood provider to Prairie Lakes Healthcare System for over two decades, sustained entirely by local donor generosity.
