Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (Dec. 23, 2019) — The 25th annual Battle of the Badges competition returns to Fort Wayne this January and the community is invited to give more life in honor of local police, fire and EMS personnel by giving blood with the American Red Cross on January 2 and 3.
Battle of the Badges is the longest-running local blood donation competition in Fort Wayne, and will be held two days at two locations:
When you come to give blood during the campaign you can vote for either police/highway patrol, or firefighters/EMS to win the competition. Participants will also receive a Red Cross long-sleeved T-shirt, while supplies last.
Last year, in 2018, the police won the competition. This good-natured rivalry among first responder groups helps ensure the blood supply keeps pace with demand during the holidays. Groups participating this year include: Fort Wayne Police Department, Allen County Sheriff’s Department, Indiana State Police, Fort Wayne Fire Department and Three Rivers Ambulance Authority. Battle of the Badges is also supported by ABC21 WPTA and Adams Radio Group of Fort Wayne.
The winter holiday season is one of the most challenging periods of the year for the Red Cross to collect enough blood and platelet donations. Busy schedules and inclement weather often mean fewer blood donations. However, the need for blood is constant. Every day, regardless of the season, hospital patients need blood or platelets for cancer treatments, lifesaving surgeries, or emergency care related to accidents or trauma.
To make an appointment to donate, contact the Red Cross at RedCrossBlood.org, 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, and use sponsor code Battle.
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, from a computer or mobile device. To get started and learn more, visit RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports 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 perform its mission. For more information, please visit RedCross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.