Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
HENDERSON, Nev. (Nov. 7, 2022) — City of Henderson Police and Fire Departments are gearing up for some friendly competition at their first American Red Cross of Southern Nevada Battle of the Badges blood drive, Thursday, November 10, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., at Lifeguard Arena, 222 S. Water St.
“Battle of the Badges encourages community members to join local first responders to help save lives, as firefighters and police officers do every day,” said Rachel Flanigan, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Southern Nevada Chapter. “But this event is a team effort that can help save lives by increasing the blood supply, locally and nationally.”
How Battle of the Badges works
Donors vote for their favorite first responder group before giving blood, and the team with the most votes at the end of the drive is declared the winner. 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 HENDBOTB sponsor code.*
“As first responders, we see the need for blood donations firsthand,” said Shawn White, Henderson Fire Department Chief. “Without a readily available blood supply, many emergency victims wouldn’t survive. We are encouraging the public to help us save lives by coming out on Thursday to donate.”
The Henderson Battle of the Badges blood drive comes at an important time, according to Flanigan, as there is often a decrease in donations during the holiday season. “The Red Cross already faced a concerning drop in blood donations this summer,” she said. “The decline has caused our blood supply to shrink, and we’re counting on donations to bring it back up.”
The American Red Cross supplies 40% of the nation’s blood reserves and urges everyone – especially those with type O blood – to give now. “Recent natural disasters caused numerous blood drives to be cancelled, also putting a strain on blood supply,” Flanigan said.
With the blood supply still fragile, events such as Battle of the Badges are more important than ever, Flanigan stressed. “By helping replenish the blood supply, first responders are going above and beyond the call of duty.”
The need for blood is real and has life-and-death consequences for the Henderson community, stressed Thedrick Andres, Henderson 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.”
The Red Cross of Southern Nevada is partnering with Republic Services to support the first Henderson Battle of the Badges Blood Drive, an event designed to help ensure hospital shelves are stocked with lifesaving blood products.
*As a special thanks to those who give blood, platelets, or plasma at Battle of the Badges and through Nov. 22, will receive a $10 e-gift card to the merchant of their choice. Details are available at rcblood.org/perks.
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.