First responders in Allen County are on a mission to help save lives by collecting blood for hospital patients in need during the inaugural Battle of the Badges Blood Drive. The community is encouraged to give blood on Tuesday, October 7 from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the American Red Cross Allen County Chapter Office, 610 S. Collett Street, Lima, OH 45805.

Battle of the Badges is a friendly competition to see which department can recruit the most eligible blood donors to join them in this lifesaving effort. Donors at this drive will have the opportunity to cast their vote for Fire or Law Enforcement, and the group with the most votes will be declared the winner.

Allen County Battle of the Badges Blood Drive

Tuesday, October 7

7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.

American Red Cross Chapter Office

610 S. Collett Street

Lima, OH 45805

The need for blood is constant. By joining first responders at this special event, blood donors can help ensure blood is on the shelves when it’s needed.

To make an appointment to give blood, visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter sponsor code battle or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Kick off fall with a blood donation and carve out time to give. The American Red Cross is thanking all who come to give Sept. 22-Oct. 19 with a $10 Amazon.com Gift Card by email. Visit RedCrossBlood.org/Fall for details. Presenting donors will also receive an American Red Cross Battle of the Badges t-shirt, while supplies last.

Click here to download b-roll.

How to donate blood
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 must meet certain height and weight requirements.

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 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.