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: Wednesday, July 22, 2026, 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Where: Aliante Casino Hotel and Spa, Scottsdale Ballroom, 7300 N. Aliante Pkwy., North Las Vegas, NV 89084
Participants: North Las Vegas Police Department vs. North Las Vegas Fire Department
NORTH LAS VEGAS, Nev. (July 20, 2026) — The fifth annual North Las Vegas Battle of the Badges comes at a critical time as the American Red Cross faces a nationwide emergency blood shortage. After the Red Cross national blood supply fell about 25% in June, local first responders are once again joining forces to encourage community members to donate blood.
On Wednesday, residents can support the community and help ease the nationwide blood shortage by donating at the North Las Vegas Battle of the Badges blood drive. The event uses friendly competition to boost donations and strengthen the region’s blood supply for local patients.
“Summer is always a difficult time for the blood supply, but the need for blood never stops,” said Rachel Flanigan, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Southern Nevada Chapter. “Patients still arrive at hospitals every day needing emergency care, surgery and other critical treatment. Battle of the Badges gives Southern Nevada residents a direct way to help rebuild the blood supply during this nationwide shortage.”
How to Donate
Appointments for the Battle of the Badges blood drive can be made through the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting redcross.org/GiveBlood or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Use sponsor code NLVBOTB when scheduling an appointment. All who come to give blood July 13-31, 2026, will receive a Fandango Movie Ticket by email, up to a $15 ticket price and fees. Additional details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/July.
This year’s Battle of the Badges is also supported by several community partners, including Republic Services, JustServe, Bridging the Gap – Adult Sickle Cell Disease Foundation of Nevada, Suburban Propane and Dignity Neighborhood Hospitals.
Current Blood Shortage
The American Red Cross is facing a severe blood shortage as hospital demand continues to outpace available blood supplies nationwide. The Red Cross national blood supply dropped about 25% in June, widening the gap between available blood and patient need. All blood types are needed, with particular concern for type O positive and B negative.
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.
