Las Vegas Metropolitan Police faced off against Las Vegas Fire & Rescue and Clark County Fire in Allegiant Stadium on Feb. 8 for the 2023 Red Cross Battle of the Badges Las Vegas blood drive, which collected 167 units of blood, which have potential to save more than 500 lives.
Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
LAS VEGAS (Feb. 9, 2023) — Las Vegas Fire & Rescue and Clark County Fire Department overtook the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department in the final hours to win the 2nd Annual American Red Cross of Southern Nevada Battle of the Badges Las Vegas blood drive yesterday. But the entire community was the actual winner with 167 units of blood collected at the blood drive.
Metro Police and the fire departments competed to see who could recruit the most blood donors. Donors at the blood drive put a color-coded ticket in a box before donating – red for firefighters, blue for police officers. In the end, the firefighters received 20 more votes than the police and took home the coveted Las Vegas Battle of the Badges trophy for the second year in a row.
“Our first responders have always made saving lives their top priority, and they went beyond the call of duty with the Battle of the Badges blood drive,” said Rachel Flanigan, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Southern Nevada Chapter. “The 167 units of blood collected today have the potential to save as many as 501 lives here in Nevada and throughout the country.”
The Las Vegas Battle of the Badges blood drive came at an important time, Flanigan said, as severe weather and seasonal illnesses have caused widespread blood drive cancelations in other parts of the country, leaving the nation’s blood supply threatened. “People in need depend on generous Red Cross blood donors, and we must bolster our reserves to ensure patients in need have access to lifesaving blood,” Flanigan said.
Even with the success of Battle of the Badges, the need for blood donations remains critical. “Fortunately, there is hope of ending this critical need for blood in our community, and across the country, with a simple act of kindness – donating blood,” Flanigan said. “If you missed the Battle of the Badges blood drive you can find another Red Cross blood drive near you. Resolve to give blood today and throughout the year.”
How to give blood
The American Red Cross supplies 40% of the nation’s blood reserves and urges everyone – especially those with type O blood – to give now. Make an appointment to give blood by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767)
Give blood in February. Get a reward
Amazon is providing $10 Amazon.com gift cards via email to those who donate blood to the Red Cross in February. In addition, February donors will also be automatically entered for a chance to win a trip for two to Clearwater Beach, Florida, including a three-night hotel stay, round-trip airfare, a $750 gift card, and more. Details are available at rcblood.org/heart.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds, and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.