Cheyenne's police and fire departments will be out for blood next month, especially type O, when they square off in the annual "Guns N' Hoses" blood drive challenge.

"This competition allows blood donors to cast a vote for the first responder of their choice," the agencies said in a joint press release.

"The organization that recruits the most donors will receive a traveling trophy to showcase for the year," they added.

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This year's event will take place from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 7, and from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 8, at the Cheyenne Public Safety Center.

Appointments are encouraged and can be made by calling Vitalant's Cheyenne donation center at 307-638-3326 or visiting donors.vitalant.org and entering blood drive code cheygunshoses, but walk-ins are always welcome.

Donors are asked to bring an ID and prepare beforehand by eating breakfast and staying hydrated.

Vitalant says there is an urgent need for blood, especially during the summer months when donations tend to decrease.

The organization says all blood types are needed, especially type O, which is the most transfused blood type and the first to run out in a shortage.

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