The 29th 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 agencies. From December 18th to 23rd, join hands with the American Red Cross to give the gift of life.
Battle of the Badges is the longest-running local blood donation competition in Fort Wayne, taking place this year at two locations, the Fort Wayne American Red Cross Blood Donation Center and the Lutheran Hospital Blood Donation Center.
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. Busy schedules and inclement weather often lead to a decrease in blood donations. Nevertheless, the need for blood remains constant. Every day, regardless of the season, patients in hospitals rely on blood for cancer treatments, lifesaving surgeries, or emergency care related to accidents or trauma.
Schedule Now! Donate Blood at the Battle of the Badges Blood Drive!
Make an appointment at RedCrossBlood.org and use sponsor code “fwbattle” to donate blood at either of the participating locations. 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:
American Red Cross Fort Wayne Donation Center
1212 E. California Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46825 (across from the Memorial Coliseum).
Monday, Dec. 18th 7:00 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 19th 11:00 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 20th 11:00 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 21st 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 22nd 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 23rd 6:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Lutheran Hospital Blood Donation Center
7900 W. Jefferson Blvd., Suite 107 in Fort Wayne (in the South Lobby of Lutheran Hospital).
Monday, Dec. 18th 12:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 19th 12:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 21st 10:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 22nd 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 23rd 6:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
All presenting donors will receive a long-sleeved Red Cross T-shirt and a coupon for a free Pizza Hut personal pizza, while supplies last. Battle of the Badges is also supported by Adams Radio Group and WPTA 21Alive.
Blood donors will be invited to cast their vote for their favorite group of first responders: Allen County Fire vs Allen County Law Enforcement.
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 six chapters: Central, 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 @INRedCross and Instagram @indianaredcross.