The 30th annual Battle of the Badges Blood Drive is back in Fort Wayne this December, and the community is invited to participate in this lifesaving cause alongside Fire/EMS and law enforcement. From December 16 to 21, join hands with the American Red Cross to give the gift of life.

The Allen County Battle of the Badges is the American Red Cross’s longest-running first responder blood donation competition in the country, taking place at the Fort Wayne American Red Cross Blood Donation Center and the Lutheran Hospital Blood Donation Center. Donors at these blood drives will be given the chance to cast their vote for their favorite first responders: Fire/EMS vs law enforcement.

The winter holiday season is one of the most challenging periods of the year for the Red Cross to collect and maintain adequate blood supply. Festive activities and busy calendars this time of year can disrupt normal routines, leading to a drop in blood donation appointments. Eligible individuals are encouraged to roll up a sleeve to give blood and show support for their favorite group of first responders by casting their vote.

As a thank-you, those who come to give Dec. 16, 2024-Jan. 3, 2025, will get an exclusive Red Cross long-sleeved T-shirt, while supplies last.  

Donate at the Allen County Battle of the Badges Blood Drive
Make an appointment at RedCrossBlood.org and use the sponsor code “fwbattle” or enter the zip code of your preferred participating location to donate blood. You can also call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or download the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

Battle of the Badges donation locations and hours:

Fort Wayne Donation Center
1212 E. California Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46825 (across from the Memorial Coliseum).

Monday, Dec. 16                      7:00 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 17                    10:00 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 18               10:00 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 19                   10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 20                          7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 21                      6:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Lutheran Hospital Donation Center

7900 W. Jefferson Blvd., Suite 107, Fort Wayne, IN 46804 (in the South Lobby of Lutheran Hospital)

Monday, Dec. 16                            12:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 17                                12:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 18                         CLOSED

Thursday, Dec. 19                         10:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 20                            8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 21                           6:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

All presenting donors will receive an exclusive American Red Cross long-sleeved T-shirt, while supplies last. In addition, presenting donors will be entered into a raffle for exciting prizes from both local and national partners.

The Allen County Battle of the Badges is supported by Adams Radio Group and WPTA 21Alive.

How to donate blood
Simply download the 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 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, Twitter and Instagram @indianaredcross.