When first responders compete to recruit blood donors, everyone wins! The American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania Region is partnering with police and fire departments and other agencies to hold a series of Battle of the Badges blood drives this summer.
Battle of the Badges is a friendly competition that helps the Red Cross meet patient and hospital demand for blood. When donors arrive at the blood drives, they will have the opportunity to cast a vote for their department or agency of choice. The winner gets bragging rights and a plaque.
Upcoming Battle of the Badges blood drives:
Lower Providence Township Battle of the Badges – Monday, June 3, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
Lower Providence Police Department vs. Lower Providence Fire Department
Location: Lower Providence Township Building, 100 Park Lane Drive, Eagleville
Appointments: RedCrossBlood.org, sponsor code BOB Lower Providence
Norristown Battle of the Badges – Tuesday, June 4, 7 a.m.-5 p.m.
Norristown Police and Fire departments vs. Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department
Location: Norristown Recreation Center, 340 Harding Blvd., Norristown
Appointments: RedCrossBlood.org, sponsor code Norristown BO
Yeadon Battle of the Badges – Thursday, June 6, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
Yeadon Police Department vs. Yeadon Fire Department
Location: Yeadon Borough Hall Auditorium, 600 Church Lane, Yeadon
Appointments: RedCrossBlood.org, sponsor code YeadonPD
Abington Battle of the Badges – Monday, June 17, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
Abington Township Police Department vs. Abington Township Fire Department
Location: Abington Public Safety Training Facility, 2200 Florey Lane, Abington
Appointments: RedCrossBlood.org, sponsor code Abington Battle of the Badges
Horsham Township Battle of the Badges – Wednesday, July 31, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
Horsham Township Police Department vs. Horsham Township Fire Department
Location: Horsham Township Community Center, 1025 Horsham Road, Horsham
Appointments: RedCrossBlood.org, sponsor code Horshambb
The Red Cross critically needs blood and platelet donors now following a concerning trend over the past month – fewer donors rolling up a sleeve to give lifesaving blood. In fact, about 20,000 fewer blood donations were collected over the past month than needed to maintain the Red Cross national blood supply. Make an appointment to give now by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App.
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
