Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
What: American Red Cross of Utah’s Mapleton Battle of the Badges Guns and Hoses Blood Drive
When: Friday, Aug. 14, 2026, 1 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Where: Mapleton Community Center, 125 W 400 N, Mapleton, UT 84664
Participants: Mapleton Police Department vs. Mapleton Fire Department
MAPLETON, Utah (Aug. 12, 2026) — The first annual Mapleton Battle of the Badges Guns and Hoses Blood Drive comes at a critical time as the American Red Cross faces a national blood crisis, only the second in its history. With blood donations at a four-year summer low, Mapleton first responders are joining forces to encourage community members to give blood.
On Friday, residents can help ease the national blood shortage by donating at the Mapleton Battle of the Badges Guns and Hoses Blood Drive. The event brings Mapleton police officers and firefighters together in a friendly competition to see which department can rally the most community support for blood donation.
“Summer is always a difficult time for the blood supply, but the need for blood never stops,” said Benjamin Donner, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Central and Southern Utah Chapter. “Patients arrive at hospitals every day needing blood for emergencies, surgeries and other critical care. Battle of the Badges gives Mapleton residents a direct way to help rebuild the blood supply during this national crisis.”
How to Donate
Appointments for the Battle of the Badges blood drive can be made through the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting redcross.org/GiveBlood or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Use sponsor code Mapletonbotb when scheduling an appointment.
Those who come to give Aug. 1-31, 2026, will receive a $20 Amazon gift card by email. Additional details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/August.
National Blood Crisis Continues
The American Red Cross continues to urge donors of all blood types to give blood or platelets as the national blood crisis continues.
Since declaring only the second blood crisis in Red Cross history in late July, thousands of donors have responded nationwide. Despite that strong response, blood donations are not keeping pace with hospital demand and donations remain at a four-year summer low. Extreme heat, poor air quality and widespread foodborne illnesses have contributed to lower donor turnout this summer across the country, further straining the nation’s 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.
