Joplin Boots, Badges & Bandages Blood Drive Friday July 25th
Joplin, Mo. – July 17, 2025 – Heroes from across Joplin are coming together for a cause that saves lives. Local first responders are teaming up with Community Blood Center of the Ozarks (CBCO) for the fourth annual Joplin Boots, Badges and Bandages Community Challenge Blood Drive, taking place Friday, July 25.
Donors will receive:
- A Day Passport Ticket to SuperSplash USA ($44.99 value)
- Donors can enter to win a $10,000 dream vacation giveaway, thanks to Springfield KIA and The Resource Center
- A limited-edition Boots, Badges and Bandages T-Shirt
- A vote to support their favorite first responder agency in the race for the traveling trophy
Special Promotion: July 20–27 Only
As a bonus, donors who give blood during the week of July 20 through July 27 will receive a $5 off admission voucher to Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium and be automatically entered to win a four-pack membership prize package valued at over $300. These limited time incentives are part of a one-week partnership between CBCO and Wonders of Wildlife.
The blood drive will take place on Friday, July 25 at Joplin Public Safety Training Center, 5102 N. Swede Lane. Drive hours are from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
The Boots, Badges and Bandages Community Challenge Blood Drive is a powerful way for residents to support local patients while honoring the commitment of area fire, police, and EMS teams. This friendly competition awards a traveling trophy to the agency with the most donor support. Hosted by Community Blood Center of the Ozarks, the sole provider of blood, platelets, and plasma to over 40 hospitals, including Freeman Health System and Mercy Hospital Joplin, the event helps support a stable blood supply during a season when donations often decline.
Area leaders are in strong support of this event and have joined with CBCO to voice a unified message intended to save lives. “The Joplin Fire Department is proud to once again support the Boots, Badges and Bandages Blood Drive. Each year, we see our community come together to give the gift of life, and it is truly inspiring. As first responders we witness firsthand the critical need for blood. Your donation could truly save someone’s life.” said Gerald Ezell, Fire Chief Joplin Fire Department
Police Chief Joplin Police Department, Richard Pearson added, “The Joplin Police Department is honored to partner with Community Blood Center of the Ozarks for the fourth year of this lifesaving event. Blood donations save lives right here in our community. This drive comes at a critical time, in summer when donations typically drop, but the need for blood often increases. Whether your Team Fire, Team Police, Team EMS or just Team Joplin, your support makes a real difference.”
“In emergency situations, having blood available can mean the difference between life and death. That is why we are proud to join the Joplin Boots, Badges and Bandages blood drive. It is a powerful opportunity for the community to come together, support one another, and ensure that lifesaving blood is there when it is needed most. We are honored to stand alongside our fellow first responders for this impactful blood drive,” stated Jason Smith, EMS Chief METS Ambulance.
To help avoid wait times, appointments are encouraged. Donors can schedule an appointment and find out more information at www.cbco.org/joplinbbb/