Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680

LAS VEGAS (Feb. 16, 2022) — The fire departments overtook the police department in the final hours to win the first American Red Cross of Southern Nevada Battle of the Badges blood drive late Monday. But the entire community was the actual winner with 176 units of blood collected in one day.

Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, Las Vegas Fire & Rescue, and Clark County Fire Department 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 151 tickets to 103 tickets for the police.

“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 176 units of blood collected on Monday have the potential to save as many as 528 lives.”

Additional credit for the blood drive’s success goes to Fox 5 Las Vegas, T Mobile Arena, and MGM Resorts, who partnered with the Red Cross on the event. Battle of the Badges blood drive was also sponsored by Rimini Street, Republic Services, and Port of Subs. The event was championed by the Red Cross of Southern Nevada Board Chairman Stan Smith, along with board members John Flynn, Bryant Thornton, and Janet Ravin.

“With the Red Cross having historic blood shortages, this event was more important than ever,” Flanigan said. “Without the support of the community, first responders, our board members, and our partners and sponsors, the first ever Southern Nevada Battle of the Badges wouldn’t have taken place.”

Even with the success of Battle of the Badges, the need for blood donations remains critical, as the Red Cross faces its worst blood shortage in more than a decade. “Fortunately, there is hope of ending this blood emergency in our community with a simple act of kindness — donating blood,” Flanigan stressed.

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 not-for-profit 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.