Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
LAS VEGAS (Feb. 13, 2022) — Clark County’s first responders are gearing up to see which department can recruit the most blood donors during the first ever American Red Cross of Southern Nevada Battle of the Badges blood drive competition on Monday, Feb. 14 at the T-Mobile Arena from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m.
During the first annual Battle of the Badges Blood Drive in Southern Nevada, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, Las Vegas Fire & Rescue and Clark County Fire Department will compete to see who can recruit the most blood donors. The blood drive encourages community members to join local first responders to help save lives. Donors at the blood drive will vote for their favorite agency before they donate, and the winning team of first responders is announced at the end of the drive.
“Saving lives and helping others has always been the top priority for our first responders and with the Red Cross having historic blood shortages, this event is more important than ever,” said Rachel Flanigan, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Southern Nevada Chapter. “By helping replenish the blood supply, first responders go above and beyond the call of duty.”
The Red Cross is partnering with Fox 5 Las Vegas, T Mobile Arena and MGM Resorts to support Clark County’s first Battle of the Badges Blood Drive. Republic Services and Rimini Street are also supporting the blood drive. All those who give blood during the Battle of the Badges Blood Drive will receive a $10 Amazon.com Gift Card via email thanks to Amazon (terms apply, visit rcblood.org/together) and a voucher from Port of Subs.
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 LVBOTB sponsor code.
Blood drive safety
Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and additional precautions – including face masks for donors and staff, regardless of vaccination status – have been implemented to help protect the health of all those in attendance.
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 have to 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.
