The “Battle for Blood” is on, but so far organizers of the blood drive said things aren’t going so well.

Local emergency workers are participating in a friendly contest at the Community Blood Center this week. All who donate blood can vote for their favorite local agency among the Lawrence Police Department, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical or the Douglas County Jail.

The blood center, at 14th Street and Kasold Drive, has been averaging about 21 donors a day this week. On Thursday, organizers said they’re a bit disappointed that more people in the community haven’t helped out.

“We haven’t seen as many donors as we would have liked,” said Alicia Briseno, Community Blood Center manager. “We think that perhaps the heat has contributed to that downturn.”

Briseno said the shortage of donations has led to a limited blood supply.

Blood donations will be accepted between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. and noon Saturday.

Last year, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office received the most votes during the contest. Briseno wouldn’t say which agency is ahead this year.