First responders in Cass County are on a mission to help save lives by collecting blood for hospital patients in need during the 25^th Battle of the Badges Blood Drive.

This annual blood drive began in 2000 in memory of Carissa Deason, who was killed by a drunk driver her senior year of high school. Jean Gaumer, Connie Deason and Julianna Callaway began hosting the blood drive to honor Carissa and help make a difference for patients who need blood products. Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. Every day, volunteer blood donors are needed to help ensure a stable blood supply.

The 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. The community is encouraged to give blood on Tuesday, October 21 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. at All Saints Catholic Church – Parish Hall, 112 E Market St., Logansport, IN 46947.  

Cass County Battle of the Badges Blood Drive

Tuesday, October 21 | 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.

All Saints Catholic Church – Parish Hall

112 E Market St.

Logansport, IN 46947

To make an appointment to give blood, visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter sponsor code casscountybattle or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Presenting donors will receive a T-shirt, while supplies last.

The American Red Cross asks donors to take steps to support a strong blood supply by making an appointment to give blood in October. To say thank you, all who come to give Oct. 20-Nov. 16, 2025, will get a $10 e-gift card to choice of merchant, plus automatic entry for a chance to win one of three $5,000 prizes! See RedCrossBlood.org/Harvest. 

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.