Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
What: American Red Cross of Southern Nevada’s North Las Vegas Battle of the Badges Blood Drive
When: Monday, May 20, 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Where: Aliante Hotel-Casino, 7300 N. Aliante Pkwy., North Las Vegas
Participants: North Las Vegas Police vs. North Las Vegas Fire
NORTH LAS VEGAS, Nev. (May 11, 2024) — The Third Annual American Red Cross of Southern Nevada’s North Las Vegas Battle of the Badges Blood Drive will be held on Monday, May 20, in the Aliante Hotel-Casino. Running from 9 a.m. until 5:30 p.m., North Las Vegas first responders are encouraging the community to join them for a day of friendly competition. Appointments for the blood drive are still available.
Rachael Flanigan, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Southern Nevada Chapter, emphasized the importance of this event, stating, “Blood donation is a caring act that can significantly impact someone's life. North Las Vegas 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 the North Las Vegas Police and Fire Departments. 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.
“Firefighters are in the business of saving lives and donating blood is one of the quickest and easiest ways we can help people. One single donation can help as many as three people,” said North Las Vegas Fire Chief Joseph Calhoun. “Whether it’s fire or police that walk away with the Battle of the Badges trophy this year, the true winners are area residents in need of our life-saving donations.”
Flanigan stressed the vital role of blood donations in emergencies, noting, “Our firefighters and police officers witness firsthand the lifesaving significance of blood supply availability. We urge the public to join us in saving lives by participating in the Battle of the Badges blood drive.”
Scheduling your donation
Residents are encouraged to schedule a donation appointment prior to their arrival at the Battle of the Badges Blood Drive. Appointments can be conveniently made through the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) using the NLVBOTB sponsor code. If immediate slots are unavailable, donors are urged to book future appointments to help maintain a steady blood supply.
“Police officers make a vow to protect and serve and donating blood is one more way we show our commitment to the community. We invite residents to donate and support the men and women in blue,” said North Las Vegas Chief of Police Jacqueline Gravatt. “While the Battle of the Badges blood drive is a friendly competition between first responders, every donation goes toward saving the life of a family member, friend or colleague.”
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.