Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
Local fire and law enforcement personnel are teaming with the American Red Cross for the first Battle of the Badges Blood Drive in the Milwaukee area to see who can recruit the most eligible donors in their community to give blood.
Individuals can join the Battle of the Badges Blood Drive by donating blood Friday, May 25, from noon to 6 p.m. at the Milwaukee Safety Academy, 6680 N. Teutonia Ave., in Milwaukee. Blood donors will help decide who wins bragging rights and a trophy.
Battle of the Badges is a friendly competition to encourage community members to join their local first responders and perform their own heroic act with a blood donation. All presenting donors during the blood drive will get to cast a vote to help decide the winner.
All those who present to donate during Battle of the Badges will receive a Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.
“The Milwaukee Fire Department has long been a partner with the Red Cross. The Red Cross is always there at any fire or emergency, offering that much needed help to people recently displaced from their home,” said Lieutenant Mike Ball, Milwaukee Fire Department, community relations director. “Now, they are asking for our help but we can’t do it without you. Your blood donation is desperately needed and you can make a huge difference by donating!"
This is the first Battle of the Badges blood drive. It is supported by various organizations within firefighting and law enforcement units. Counties participating in this year’s competition are: the Milwaukee Police Department and the Milwaukee Fire Department.
“Local fire and law enforcement units know firsthand how important it is to have blood readily available for emergencies,” said Laura McGuire, external communications manager for the Red Cross Badger-Hawkeye Blood Services Region. “By hosting this blood drive, they are helping ensure that blood is on the shelves before it is needed.”
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.