Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Davidson County Sheriff’s Office won the American Red Cross-Saint Thomas ‘Give & Get’ Battle of the Badges blood drive competition between the Nashville Metro Police and Nashville Fire Departments. A special awards presentation will be held Wednesday, Aug. 3, from 10 – 11 a.m. at the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office Administration Building, in the conference room, 506 2nd Ave. N. in Nashville.
The Nashville Fire Department earned 70 of the 677 votes cast by blood drive participants, while the Nashville Metro Police Department earned 268 votes. Recruiting the most blood donors, the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office earned 339 votes, winning bragging rights and the Battle of the Badges traveling plaque for the seventh year.
"The Davidson County Sheriff's Office is extremely proud we, once again, came away from the Battle of the Badges victorious," said Sheriff Daron Hall. "This friendly competition has become a Nashville tradition and one the American Red Cross depends on to help potentially save more than 2,000 lives. The recipients of that blood are the true winners and we could not be more pleased to give back to our community in such a significant way."
The Battle of the Badges blood drive was held from May 23 to July 18, and collected a total of 652 pints of lifesaving blood. The series of drives culminated with an epic clash in the name of blood at Nissan Stadium, with local officers collaboratively collecting a total of 340 pints of blood in one day, and exceeding this year’s overall goal by 3 pints.
“We’re incredibly honored to have participated yet again in this blood drive,” said Fire Chief Rick White. “Every day, we in fire and EMS see firsthand the impact blood donations have on saving lives and we are proud that so many decided to give again this year.”
Every two seconds in the United States blood and platelets are needed to respond to patient emergencies, including accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease.
“None of us knows when a medical emergency may strike,” said Police Chief Steve Anderson. “The Battle of the Badges blood drive serves as a reminder that blood donations are critical to saving the lives of our fellow Nashvillians, friends and even family members. I am grateful to Nashville’s public safety employees and citizens for continuing to support this important effort.”
The Red Cross provides blood to approximately 2,600 hospitals nationwide, including more than 46 hospitals throughout the Tennessee Valley Blood Services Region.
“It’s the blood products on the shelves that help save lives in an emergency,” said Mario Sedlock, director of donor recruitment, Red Cross Tennessee Valley Blood Services Region. “We appreciate having the support of our local first responders who know when seconds matter, having a readily available blood supply is critical to patient care.”
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.
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