When first responders compete to recruit blood donors, everyone wins! The American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania Region is partnering with police and fire departments and other agencies to hold a series of Battle of the Badges blood drives this summer.

Battle of the Badges is a friendly competition that helps the Red Cross meet patient and hospital demand for blood. When donors arrive at the blood drives, they will have the opportunity to cast a vote for their department or agency of choice. The winner gets bragging rights and a plaque.

Upcoming Battle of the Badges blood drives:

Folcroft Battle of the Badges – Wednesday, May 21, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.

Folcroft Borough Police Department vs. Folcroft Fire Company

Location: Folcroft Community Center, 797 E. Ashland Ave., Folcroft

Appointments: RedCrossBlood.org, sponsor code Folcroft

Warrington Battle of the Badges – May 29, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.

Warrington Township Police vs. Warrington Fire Department

Location: Warrington Fire Department, 2310 Freedoms Way Warrington

Appointments: RedCrossBlood.org, sponsor code bbwarrington

Norristown Battle of the Badges – Tuesday, June 3, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.

Norristown Police and Fire departments vs. Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department

Location: Norristown Recreation Center, 340 Harding Blvd., Norristown

Appointments: RedCrossBlood.org, sponsor code Norristown BOB

Abington Battle of the Badges – Monday, June 9, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.

Abington Township Police Department vs. Abington Township Fire Department

Location: Abington Public Safety Training Facility, 2200 Florey Lane, Abington

Appointments: RedCrossBlood.org, sponsor code Abington Battle of the Badges

Montgomery County Battle of the Badges – Tuesday, July 8, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Montgomery County Coroner's Office vs. Montgomery County Correctional Facility vs. Montgomery County Department of Public Safety

Location: Montgomery County Coroner’s Office, 56 Eagleville Road, Eagleville

Appointments: RedCrossBlood.org, sponsor code BOB Montgomery County

Battle of the Badges Newtown Township – Wednesday, July 30, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.

Newtown Township Police Department vs. Newtown Square Fire Company

Location: Stratford Friends School, 2 Bishop Hollow Road, Newtown Square

Appointments: RedCrossBlood.org, sponsor code Newtown

Battle of the Badges Upper Gwynedd Township – Friday, Aug. 8, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.

Upper Gwynedd Township Police Department vs. Upper Gwynedd Township Fire Department

Location: Upper Gwynedd Township Fire Department, 660 Garfield Ave., West Point

Appointments: RedCrossBlood.org, sponsor code Upper Gwynedd Battle

Montgomery Township Battle of the Badges – Wednesday, Aug. 27, 1-6 p.m.

Montgomery Township Police Department vs. Montgomery Township Fire Department

Location: Montgomery Township Community and Recreation Center, 1030 Horsham Road, North Wales

Appointments: RedCrossBlood.org, sponsor code Montgomery Township

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 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.