Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
NORTH LAS VEGAS, Nev. (May 12, 2022) — North Las Vegas Police and Fire Departments are gearing up for a little friendly competition at their first American Red Cross of Southern Nevada Battle of the Badges blood drive, Monday, May 23, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., at Aliante Resort.
“This blood drive encourages community members to join local first responders to help save lives,” said Rachel Flanigan, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Southern Nevada Chapter. “Saving lives and helping others is always the top priority for our first responders.”
“But right now, with the Red Cross blood supply still fragile, their participation in this event is more important than ever. By helping replenish the blood supply, first responders are going above and beyond the call of duty,” she said.
Donors vote for their favorite agency before giving blood, and the team of first responders with the most votes is declared the winner at the end of the drive.
“As first responders, we see the need for blood donations firsthand every day,” said Joseph Calhoun, North Las Vegas Fire Department Chief. “We encourage the public to help save lives by coming out and donating blood.”
“The need for blood is real and has life-and-death consequences for our community,” said Jacqueline Gravatt, North Las Vegas Acting Police Chief. “When donors give blood, they could be helping family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors – locally and across the country. Every unit of blood can save someone’s life.”
As summer nears, blood donations are critically important to maintaining a stable blood supply, according to the Red Cross. “When schools let out and families set off on vacation, we typically see a decline in donors, often leading to a seasonal blood shortage,” Flanigan said.
The Red Cross of Southern Nevada is partnering with Boyd Gaming to support the first North Las Vegas Battle of the Badges Blood Drive, an event designed to help ensure hospital shelves are stocked with lifesaving blood products
Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the blood drive by going to RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS and using the NLVBOTB sponsor code. As a special thank you to those who donate blood May 20-31, the Red Cross is giving away 20-ounce Red Cross aluminum water bottles with customizable sticker sets. (While supplies last.)
Blood drive safety
The Red Cross follows a high standard of safety and infection control. The Red cross will continue to socially distance wherever possible at blood drives, donation centers and facilities. While donors are no longer required to wear a face mask, individuals may choose to continue to wear a mask for any reason. The Red Cross will also adhere to more stringent face mask requirements per state and/or local guidance, or at the request of blood drive sponsors. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at a drive.
How to donate blood
Simply download the American 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 must 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
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.