Former Westfield Fire Chief Mary Regan accepts the trophy from Baystate Health Blood Donor Program phlebotomist Sandi Forni during a 2018 blood drive that pitted Westfield Fire and Westfield Police departments. (Submitted photo)
WESTFIELD- Baystate Noble Hospital will host the 7th annual Westfield Police Vs. Westfield Fire Blood Donor Challenge Monday from 7:00 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Blood Donor Center at 15 West Silver Street.
The annual competition pits the city’s police and fire departments against each other to see which of the emergency services can donate the most blood in a single day.
“This challenge is a wonderful way to raise awareness and excitement about the blood donor program at Baystate Health. There is a constant need for blood for our hospitals, especially during a time after the winter months when blood donations tend to plummet due to the excessive cold and flu season and inclement weather,” said Amy Osgood, blood donor recruiter at Baystate Health.
Over the years, the challenge has grown, and now family and friends of the departments, as well as members of the public, can take part. According to Maura Tobias, a spokeswoman for Baystate Noble Hospital, 100 percent of the blood that is collected will stay in the Baystate Health system.
“The competition is good, healthy old-fashioned Police VS Fire competition,” said Westfield Police Chief John Camerota, “The most important issue is that there is a need for blood.”
To take part in the donation drive, one must be at least 17-years-old and weigh at least 110 pounds. Donors must have a valid photo ID, be in good health, and make sure they have had plenty to eat and drink over the previous day. One cannot donate if they have already done so in the last eight weeks.
Acting Fire Chief Patrick Egloff said that in the last six years of the challenge, the score is 4-2 in favor of the Fire Department collecting the most blood. The Fire Department’s four wins have come in the last four years.
“This is a friendly competition where the community is the real winner,” said Egloff.
