Media contact: Kirsten Stuart
Regional Communications
kirsten.stuart@redcross.org | 775-741-7906
KAYSVILLE, Utah (Dec. 7, 2022) — Davis County firefighters and police officers are gearing up to see who can recruit the most blood donors as they compete for the first time in the American Red Cross Battle of the Badges. The event takes place Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 12 and 13 at Boondocks Main Conference Room, 525 South Deseret Drive in Kaysville, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Donors can vote for their favorite first responder agency, and the group that receives the most votes wins bragging rights, with all participants helping the community. “The blood drive encourages community members to support their local first responders and the Red Cross to help save lives,” said Michael Smauldon, Executive Director of the American Red Cross of Northern Utah & Southwest Wyoming Chapter. “This is the best kind of competition because everyone wins.”
Police and firefighters say they see the need for blood donations and a reliable supply firsthand. “Without a readily available blood supply, many emergency victims wouldn’t survive,” said Solomon Oberg, Kaysville Police Department Chief. “So, we are encouraging the community to join us next Monday and Tuesday to donate – and vote.”
Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the blood drive by going to RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS and using the daviscounty sponsor code. All those who give blood during the Battle of the Badges Blood Drive will receive a $10 Amazon.com gift card via email, courtesy of Amazon.
The Davis County Battle of the Badges blood drive comes at an important time, according to Smauldon, as there is often a decrease in donations during the holiday season. “The Red Cross already faced a concerning drop in blood donations this summer,” he said. “The decline has caused our blood supply to shrink, and we’re counting on donations to bring it back up.”
About every two seconds in the United States, blood is needed to respond to patient emergencies, Smauldon said. “The Red Cross supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood, and we often see a decline in donations during the holiday season. We’re urging people to donate now,” he said.
The American Red Cross supplies 40% of the nation’s blood reserves and urges everyone – especially those with type O blood – to give now. With the blood supply still fragile, events such as Battle of the Badges are more important than ever, Smauldon stressed. “By helping replenish the blood supply, first responders are going above and beyond the call of duty,” he said.
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 not-for-profit 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 visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.