LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) - Lubbock's blood bank is reporting supplies are at an extremely low level as the Battle of the Badges blood drive gets underway this week at South Plains Mall.

The Lubbock Police Department and the Lubbock County Sheriff's Office are competing against Lubbock Fire Rescue to see which agency can encourage more people to donate blood.

Turnout slower than previous yearsVitalant Senior Account Manager Stephanie Pointer said the drive has seen a slower start than usual."It's been a little bit harder for some reason this year, I think, with all blood drives," Pointer said.