Philadelphia Police and Fire departments win national blood drive challenge
First responder agencies crowned best Battle of the Badges blood drive in the nation
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Garrett Reid (far left), director of donor recruitment for Penn Jersey and Northeastern Pennsylvania Blood Services regions, and Guy Triano (far right), CEO of Eastern Pennsylvania Red Cross, present the Battle of the Badges national trophy and regional plaques to Philadelphia Police Deputy Commissioner Christine Coulter and Philadelphia Fire Commissioner Adam Thiel during a Red Cross blood drive at FOP Lodge No. 5 in Philadelphia on Aug. 24, 2018.
PHILADELPHIA (Aug. 27, 2018) — The American Red Cross congratulates Philadelphia Police and Fire departments for earning the title of best Battle of the Badges blood drive in the nation.
Battle of the Badges, also called Boots in Badges in some regions, is a friendly competition between first responder groups to encourage community members to donate blood or platelets. Philadelphia Police and Fire topped the nationwide leaderboard, collecting a total of 241 pints of blood during a recent Boots and Badges blood drive in Philadelphia.
“These agencies and the communities they serve responded to the call to help hospital patients in need,” said Garrett Reid, director of donor recruitment for the Penn Jersey Blood Services Region. “The Red Cross is grateful for all those who donated to help save lives and make this the best Battle of the Badges blood drive across the U.S.”
The blood drive between Philadelphia Police and Fire departments was held on June 12 at the Philadelphia Police Academy and June 13 at the Red Cross Philadelphia Blood Donation Center. On those days, the Philadelphia Police Department recruited the most blood donors, 177, winning bragging rights and a regional plaque, in addition to the national trophy
First responders know firsthand how important it is to have blood readily available for emergencies. Together, these agencies helped to ensure 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 (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 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.