First responders in Whitley County are on a mission to help save lives by collecting blood for hospital patients in need during their first Battle of the Badges Blood Drive.

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 welcome and encouraged to give blood on Friday, September 11 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Whitley County Family YMCA, 950 E Van Buren St., Columbia City, IN 46725.

“We are excited to partner with the American Red Cross for the first Battle of the Badges in Whitley County. Blood donors play a critical role in helping save lives, and as first responders, we see that impact firsthand every day,” said Carla Gebert, Parkview EMS Manager.

Whitley County Battle of the Badges Blood Drive

Friday, September 11

1 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Whitley County Family YMCA

950 East Van Buren Street

Columbia City, IN 46725

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

Those who come to give Sept. 1-20, 2026, will receive a Red Cross x Hello Kitty plush mascot clip and surprise sticker pack, while supplies last. See RedCrossBlood.org/HelloKitty for details.

Thousands of people across the country have answered the call to help save lives following the Red Cross declaration of the blood crisis in late July. While we are no longer facing a national blood crisis, the blood supply remains extremely vulnerable with new seasonal challenges that can disrupt a donor’s ability to give. The Red Cross encourages people to give blood now to help ensure lifesaving blood products are on hand whenever they are needed.  

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.