Central Oregon first responders hold ‘battle’ for blood donations

Central Oregon first responders battled it out Monday for a good cause.

Bend Fire and Rescue, Bend Police, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and Search and Rescue hosted a blood drive at Bend Municipal Courthouse. 

Everyone who donated blood Monday got to cast a vote for who they think should win.

“We’re wanting all of our members of our agencies to come donate blood. And then furthermore, we really need the public to come in and really bolster our numbers for these blood donations for the Red Cross,” said Bend Fire and Rescue paramedic Cat Radovich.

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The winner was Bend Police.

The American Red Cross is continuing to ask for donations, saying there is a national blood shortage. Donors of all blood types are needed, and there is a need for platelet donors and type O blood donors. Appointments can be made at this link.