The American Red Cross is teaming up with local Fire/EMS and law enforcement in Angola to host the first-ever Battle of the Badges Blood Drive. The community is invited to join this friendly competition to save lives and cast a vote for their favorite first responder agency.

Friday, January 16, 2026
11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Carnegie Public Library, Main Floor Meeting Room
322 S. Wayne Street, Angola

Why Your Donation Matters
The Red Cross blood supply is under pressure following a busy holiday season. Winter weather and packed schedules make it harder for hospitals to maintain lifesaving blood products. By donating, you can help ensure patients in need receive critical care.

How to Donate Blood
Make an appointment at RedCrossBlood.org and use sponsor code “CPLANG” to donate blood during this Battle of the Badges. You can also call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or download the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

As a special thank-you to donors for helping address the need for blood during the critical post-holiday time, those who come to give Jan. 1-25, 2026, will be automatically entered for a chance to win a trip for two to Super Bowl LX in the San Francisco Bay Area. See RedCrossBlood.org/SuperBowl for details.  

Eligibility
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.

Access Blood Donation b-roll here.

About the American Red Cross Indiana Region:
The American Red Cross of Indiana Region serves 6.9 million people in 104 counties in Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky and Ohio through its five chapters: Northeast, Northwest, Southeast, Southwest, and Greater Indianapolis (Regional Headquarters). The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit us at Redcross.org/Indiana or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X @indianaredcross.