Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
OCEAN CITY, N.J. (May 17, 2018) — Ocean City Fire and Police departments will compete for the second year to see who can recruit the most eligible blood donors in the community during their American Red Cross Battle of the Badges rematch on Thursday, June 7.
The Ocean City Fire Department won last year’s inaugural competition, recruiting 28 donors to the Police Department’s 24.
Community members are needed to roll up their sleeves and donate blood with “team police” or “team fire” during this year’s blood drive on June 7, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at St. Peter’s United Methodist Church, 501 E. Eighth St., Ocean City, New Jersey. Appointments are strongly encouraged. To schedule an appointment, visit redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code OC Battle of the Badges or call 1-800-REDCROSS.
All presenting donors will receive a free long-sleeved T-shirt, while supplies last, and will also be entered into gift card drawings, courtesy of the Ocean City International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) Local No. 4032 and Police Benevolent Association (PBA) Local No. 61. Prizes and gifts are not redeemable for cash.
Battle of the Badges is a friendly competition between first responders that helps the Red Cross meet patient and hospital demand for blood, which is especially challenging during summer months.
“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 that Ocean City’s Police and Fire departments have stepped up to the challenge again by organizing this rematch blood drive and educating the community about the importance of blood donation.”
All first-responder agencies that host Battle of the Badges blood drives with the Red Cross between May 1-June 30 will compete to earn a spot on the nationwide leaderboard and could be crowned the winner of the best drive across the nation.
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 must 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, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.
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.