The Journal

United Blood Services will hold its annual Battle of the Badges Blood Drive on Friday, July 21, from 2–6 p.m., and Saturday, July 22, from 11 a.m.–3 p.m., according to a news release from Cortez Fire Protection District.

The Battle of the Badges blood drive is a regional blood drive in honor of first responders.

The United Blood Services Blood Mobile will in the parking lot at City Market, 508 E. Main St., both days.

Each donor will receive a Battle of the Badges T-shirt, be able to vote for Firefighters or current trophy-holder Law Enforcement, and be entered into a drawing to win prizes donated by local businesses.

To schedule an appointment, contact United Blood Services at 877-827-4376 or log on at www.bloodhero.com and use the sponsor code ctymktcortez.

It only takes about 45 minutes to give blood, and it all stays in the area for local patients.