OCEAN CITY, N.J.— Members of the Ocean City community are invited to roll up their sleeves and join their local police and fire heroes in helping to ensure hospitals and patients have the lifesaving blood they need this summer.
Ocean City firefighters and law enforcement personnel are teaming up with the American Red Cross for their first-ever Battle of the Badges blood drive to see who can recruit the most eligible donors in the community to give blood.
Individuals can join the Battle of the Badges blood drive by donating blood on Tuesday, July 11 between 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at St. John Lutheran Church, 1001 Central Ave., Ocean City, New Jersey. Appointments are encouraged but are not required. To make an appointment to donate, call 1-800-RED-CROSS or visit
redcrossblood.org, sponsor code OC Battle of the Badges.
Battle of the Badges is a friendly competition that helps the Red Cross meet patient and hospital demand for blood. This is especially critical during the summer, which is a particularly challenging time for blood collection.
“Our first responders know, firsthand, how important it is to have blood readily available for emergencies,” said Alana Mauger, external communications manager, Red Cross Penn Jersey Blood Services Region. “We’re thrilled to have the Ocean City fire and police departments step up to the challenge by organizing this drive and educating the community about the importance of blood donation.”
All presenting donors will be entered into a drawing to win one of two $50 gift cards. Presenting donors can also enjoy refreshments courtesy of Ocean City International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) Local No. 4032 and Police Benevolent Association (PBA) Local No. 61.
To make an appointment for Battle of the Badges, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit
redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Donate Blood for Ocean City Police and Fire “Battle of the Badges”
St. John Lutheran Church, 1001 Central Ave., Ocean City, New Jersey
Tuesday, July 11, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
Sponsor code: OC Battle of the Badges
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 (16 with parental consent in some states), 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 donors can now 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, prior to arriving at the blood drive. 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.
