Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
What: American Red Cross of Southern Nevada’s Battle of the Badges Blood Drive
When: Friday, April 5, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Where: Allegiant Stadium, 333 Al Davis Way
Participants: Las Vegas Metropolitan Police vs. Las Vegas Fire & Rescue and Clark County Fire
LAS VEGAS (April 5, 2024) — Today marks the Third Annual American Red Cross of Southern Nevada’s Las Vegas Battle of the Badges Blood Drive at the iconic Allegiant Stadium. Running from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m., Clark County first responders are set for a day of friendly competition.
Rachael Flanigan, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Southern Nevada Chapter, highlighted the significance of this event, stating, “Blood donation is a caring act that can significantly impact someone's life. Our local first responders are taking part in this event to go above and beyond their regular duties. We invite everyone to join us in making a lifesaving difference.”
Encouraging community support through friendly rivalry
The Battle of the Badges blood drive fosters a cooperative spirit among Las Vegas Metropolitan Police officers and firefighters from Las Vegas Fire & Rescue and Clark County Fire. Donors can support their favorite first responder group by voting, with the winning team determined by the highest number of votes at the close of the drive.
Flanigan emphasized the critical role of blood donations in emergency situations, noting, “Our firefighters and police officers witness firsthand the lifesaving impact of blood supply availability. We urge the public to assist us in saving lives by participating in today’s blood donation drive.”
Partnerships and commitment to saving lives
The success of the Battle of the Badges Blood Drive is made possible through partnerships with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, Las Vegas Fire & Rescue, Clark County Fire Department, Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas Raiders, Republic Services, South Point Hotel & Casino, Pizza Rock, Rimini Street, Capriotti’s, FOX5 Las Vegas, as well as dedicated blood donors, volunteers and Red Cross staff members.
Scheduling your donation
Residents are encouraged to schedule a donation appointment prior to their arrival at Allegiant Stadium for the Battle of the Badges Blood Drive. Appointments can be conveniently booked via the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) using the LVBOTB sponsor code. While limited immediate slots may be available for today’s drive, prospective donors are urged to secure future appointments to sustain a consistent blood supply.
With the Red Cross contributing around 40% of the nation's blood supply and collecting approximately 12,500 blood and 3,000 platelet donations daily, Flanigan emphasized the vital role donors play in supporting medical procedures nationwide, stating, “Our donors are the lifeblood for individuals undergoing treatments at numerous hospitals and transfusion centers across the country.”
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 follow us on social media.