Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
NORTH LAS VEGAS, Nev. (July 23, 2026) — The fifth annual American Red Cross of Southern Nevada’s North Las Vegas Battle of the Badges Blood Drive collected a record 116 units of blood Wednesday at Aliante Casino Hotel, surpassing the previous high of 97 units and marking the first time the event has topped 100 units.
The annual drive brings together North Las Vegas police officers and firefighters in a friendly competition that supports the community through blood donation. Donors support their favorite public safety team while helping strengthen the blood supply for patients undergoing surgery, cancer treatment and emergency care.
This year’s turnout came as the Red Cross continues working to rebuild the nation’s blood supply following a significant decline in donations this summer. The 116 units collected Wednesday could help support hundreds of patients.
“This event shows what can happen when a community comes together for a common purpose,” said Rachel Flanigan, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Southern Nevada Chapter. “Our police officers and firefighters inspired an incredible turnout, and every person who donated helped make this the most successful Battle of the Badges we’ve ever held.”
This year’s Battle of the Badges was 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.
Blood Shortage Continues Nationwide
The record-setting blood drive comes as the American Red Cross responds to an emergency blood and platelet shortage declared July 13 after the national blood supply dropped about 25% in June.
Although thousands of people have donated in recent weeks, the blood supply has not recovered quickly enough to meet hospital demand. The shortage is especially serious for type O positive and B negative blood, and without additional donations, the Red Cross could have less than a two-day supply of some of the most needed blood types available for patients.
While all blood types are needed, the Red Cross is urgently seeking donors with type O positive and B negative blood. Type O positive is the most transfused blood type and can be given to most patients with a positive blood type, which includes more than 80% of the population. B negative is found in less than 2% of the population. Patients with B negative blood can only receive transfusions from donors with the same type or O negative blood.
How to Donate
The most important way to help address the blood shortage is to make an appointment to give blood through the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting redcross.org/GiveBlood or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). All Nevadans who come to give blood July 13-31, 2026, will receive a Fandango Movie Ticket by email, up to $15 ticket price and fees. Additional details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/July.
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
