Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680

What:               American Red Cross of Utah’s Provo Battle of the Badges Blood Drive
When:              Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, 1 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Where:             Provo City Library, 550 N. University Ave.
Participants:  Provo Police vs. Provo Fire & Rescue

PROVO, Utah (Aug. 12, 2025) — Provo police officers and firefighters are inviting the community to donate blood, cast their votes and support a lifesaving cause at the city’s first annual American Red Cross of Utah Battle of the Badges Blood Drive. The friendly competition between first responders is on Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.at the Provo City Library. There’s still time to schedule an appointment to donate blood and make a difference.

“Donating blood is a powerful way to show you care and truly change someone’s life. Provo’s first responders are stepping up beyond their usual duties to encourage the community to give,” said Benjamin Donner, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Central and Southern Utah Chapter. “We invite everyone to take part and help save lives with us.”

Encouraging Community Support with Friendly Rivalry
The Battle of the Badges blood drive is a fun and meaningful way to build community spirit while supporting a critical cause. Donors can cast their votes for their favorite team — Provo Police or Provo Fire & Rescue — and the team with the most votes will be crowned the winner of the inaugural Provo Battle of the Badges.

“Firefighters are in the business of saving lives, and donating blood is one of the quickest and easiest ways we can help people,” said Provo Fire & Rescue Chief Jeremy Headman. “No matter who wins the Battle of the Badges, the real winners are the patients whose lives will be saved by these donations.”

Donner emphasized the importance of blood donations, especially in emergencies, adding, “Our firefighters and police officers see firsthand the critical need for a reliable blood supply. We urge the community to join us in helping to save lives by donating blood at this drive.”

Scheduling your donation
Utahns are encouraged to schedule a donation appointment prior to their arrival at the Battle of the Badges Blood Drive. Appointments can easily be made through the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcross.org/GiveBlood or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) using the provobloodbattle sponsor code.

“Police officers are dedicated to protecting and serving our community, and donating blood is another meaningful way we uphold that commitment,” said Provo Chief of Police Troy Beebe. “We encourage all residents to come out and donate. The Red Cross of Utah’s Provo Battle of the Badges may be a friendly competition, but every donation makes a real difference in the community and helps save lives.”

As a thank-you, all donors who give blood between Aug. 1-28, 2025, will receive a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice. Plus, free A1C testing will be performed on all successful donations made Aug. 1-31, 2025. For more details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/Test.

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.