The Rock River Valley Blood Center (RRVBC), Janesville Fire Department and Janesville Police Department is hosting a winter-themed Battle of the Badges Blood Drive on Wednesday, Jan. 5 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Thursday, Jan. 6 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.at the Janesville Fire Department, 303 Milton Ave. Donors can make appointments online at rrvbc.org, by calling 815-965-8751 or using the myRRVBC app. Walk-ins also will be welcome.

“We are excited to partner with the Janesville Fire and Police Departments to host a blood drive to support our local hospitals and those in need of blood,” said Lisa Entrikin, CEO at the Rock River Valley Blood Center. We invite the community to stop by the drive as each donation can save up to three lives.”

Donating blood is simple, and one unit can save up to three lives. After registering, a donor care specialist will take individual’s vitals (temperature, blood pressure, pulse and hemoglobin), and each person will be asked to complete an eligibility questionnaire, and then sit back and relax while giving. The donation itself only lasts about 10 minutes. Refreshments await after donating.

First -time donors, should bring a photo ID. Individuals can donate a single unit (whole blood donation, the most common type) every 56 days.