Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
What: Provo Battle of the Badges Blood Drive
When: Monday, Aug. 24, 2026, 1–7 p.m.
Where: Provo City Library, 550 N. University Ave., Provo, UT 84601
PROVO, Utah (Aug. 21, 2026) — Provo police officers and firefighters will put their friendly rivalry to work Monday during the second annual American Red Cross of Utah’s Provo Battle of the Badges Blood Drive, rallying community members to give blood and help prevent the national blood supply from falling back to critically low levels.
The national blood crisis declared by the American Red Cross in late July, only the second in its history, has eased after thousands of donors across the country responded to the urgent call for help. While that response has helped improve the blood supply, continued donations are essential to keep pace with the daily needs of hospitals and patients nationwide.
During Monday’s Battle of the Badges, those who give blood can show their support for Provo police or firefighters as the two departments compete to see which can rally the most donors. Regardless of which badge comes out on top, every donation can help provide blood for patients undergoing surgeries, cancer treatment, emergency care and other medical procedures.
“The response from blood donors helped bring the country out of a serious blood crisis, but maintaining an adequate blood supply takes people giving every day,” said Benjamin Donner, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Central and Southern Utah Chapter. “Battle of the Badges gives Provo residents a chance to support their first responders while helping make sure hospitals have blood available when patients need it.”
Give Blood at the Provo Battle of the Badges
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 ProvoBloodBattle 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.
Why Continued Blood Donations Matter
Blood and platelets have a limited shelf life and must be collected continually to meet hospital needs. Red blood cells can be stored for up to 42 days, while platelets must be used within seven days. That means even after donor turnout improves, there is no lasting reserve that can simply be stockpiled for months.
The American Red Cross must collect more than 13,000 blood donations and about 3,000 platelet donations nationwide every day to meet the needs of patients across the country. Maintaining a steady flow of donors following this summer’s historic blood crisis is critical to keeping the supply at adequate levels and avoiding another severe decline.
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.
