Eighty-one people will receive the gift of life because Sheriff's Office employees and families, an MTSU Police detective and community residents donated blood June 10 during a Red Cross Bloodmobile.

More Sheriff's Office employees and residents will save lives by donating blood from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday, June 24 in the training classroom behind the Adult Detention Center.

The American Red Cross estimates each donation saves three lives. There is a critical need for blood now. 

People who give will have their blood tested to determine if they have antibodies for COVID-19. The Red Cross test is authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Donors will receive their results within seven to 10 days.

Donors may preregister at redcrossblood.org and search for the Battle of the Badges bloodmobile June 24 at the Sheriff's Office. Participating in the bloodmobile takes about 30 to 45 minutes. 

The bloodmobiles are part of the friendly Battle of the Badges competition between law enforcement officers, firefighters and paramedics in Rutherford County.

Each donor will receive a T-shirt and a $5 online Amazon gift card.

Photo: Sheriff's Office assistant Cassie Johnson gives her 47th blood donation with the help of Chris Davenport of the American Red Cross.