Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
PHILADELPHIA (May 30, 2018) — Philadelphia Police and Fire departments are gearing up to see who can recruit the most eligible blood donors in the community during their first ever American Red Cross Boots and Badges blood drive competition on June 12 and 13. The competition is poised to be one of the largest in the country, with a goal of collecting more than 400 units of blood.
Community members are needed to roll up their sleeves and donate blood with the Police or Fire departments during the event. Blood donation appointments are available on Tuesday, June 12 between 11 a.m.-6 p.m. at the Philadelphia Police Academy, located at 2838 Woodhaven Road, and on Wednesday, June 13 between 2-8 p.m. at the Philadelphia Blood Donation Center, located at 700 Spring Garden St. Free parking is available at both locations.
All presenting donors will receive a free T-shirt, while supplies last. Appointments are strongly encouraged. To schedule an appointment, visit RedCrossBlood.org BootsAndBadges or call 1-800-REDCROSS.
Police Commissioner Richard Ross and Fire Commissioner Adam J. Thiel are rallying their departments for the blood drive challenge.
"The Philadelphia Police Department is privileged to participate in this most worthy endeavor. Supporting this blood donation effort aligns perfectly with our overarching lifesaving goals. We are also excited to work collaboratively and competitively with our brothers and sisters in the Philadelphia Fire Department, said Police Commissioner Ross.
“Whether it’s encouraging community members to donate blood or teaming up to install smoke alarms, we are always proud to partner with the Red Cross,” said Fire Commissioner Thiel. “Everyone wins in a competition like this.”
Boots and Badges is a friendly competition that helps the Red Cross meet patient and hospital demand for blood, which is especially critical during the summer – a 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 Philadelphia’s police and fire departments step up to the challenge by organizing this drive and educating the community about the importance of blood donation.”
All first-responder agencies that host Boots and Badges or 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 in Pennsylvania and New Jersey), 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.