Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
PROVO, Utah (Aug. 22, 2025) — The first-ever American Red Cross of Utah Battle of the Badges Blood Drive in Provo was a success, collecting 88 units of blood to support patients in the community. In a spirited competition, Provo Fire & Rescue earned the most votes from blood donors, claiming the Battle of the Badges trophy and bragging rights over the Provo Police Department.
“We are so thankful for the amazing support from the Provo community and the enthusiastic participation of both Provo Fire & Rescue and the Provo Police Department,” said Benjamin Donner, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Central and Southern Utah Chapter. “This friendly competition has not only strengthened our local blood supply but also proved how deeply our community cares about helping others. The real winners are the patients whose lives will be impacted by this generosity.”
A Friendly Rivalry with a Lifesaving Purpose
The Battle of the Badges brings firefighters and police officers together in a fun rivalry encouraging residents to donate blood while supporting their favorite team. Held on Thursday at the Provo City Library, the event saw Provo Police and Provo Fire & Rescue face off in a friendly competition. Donors cast their votes through color-coded tickets before donating blood, with red tickets representing the firefighters and blue tickets showing support for the police.
This friendly competition was created to raise awareness about the constant need for blood donations while fostering a sense of community pride. The American Red Cross of Utah thanks every donor, volunteer and first responder who helped make this inaugural event a success.
Make Your Appointment to Give Blood
Residents are encouraged to continue supporting the community by scheduling an appointment to donate blood. 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).
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.
Urgent Need for Type O and B Negative Blood
While all blood types are needed, the Red Cross is urging those with type O and type B negative blood to donate. Type O positive is the most transfused blood type, compatible with 85% of patients, while type O negative is the universal blood type used in emergencies. Type B negative is rare, found in less than 2% of the population. Patients with B negative blood can only receive transfusions from B negative or O negative donors.
The Red Cross supplies 40% of the nation’s blood, supporting more than 2,500 hospitals and transfusion centers. To meet patient needs, the Red Cross must collect about 12,500 blood donations and 3,000 platelet donations every day. Nearly 45 hospitals in Utah rely on the Red Cross for their blood supply.
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.
