LOS ANGELES, April 24, 2023 — Los Angeles first responders celebrated the end of a friendly three-month competition to see who could recruit the most blood donors on April 19 with an awards ceremony at City Club LA. The Los Angeles Police Department topped blood donations collecting 835 units of lifesaving blood and hosting 28 blood drives from January to March.
For the 17th year since 2007, the annual Battle of the Badges blood drive helped bolster the community’s blood supply as Los Angeles County law and public safety agencies competed to see who could recruit the most blood donors. First responders furthered their commitment to save lives by rolling up a sleeve and competing to collect the most pints for patient care. The Los Angeles Police Department topped the competition with 835 units, the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department had a total of 461 units and the Los Angeles Fire Department collected 137 units during the competition.
“These local heroes here in Los Angeles prove that together we can make a difference in the lives of patients in need through blood donations,” said Joanne Nowlin, CEO of the American Red Cross Los Angeles Region. “We appreciate all donors who rolled up their sleeves and inspired Angelenos to also donate and help save lives.”
The 2023 Battle of the Badges marks a 17-year partnership with the Red Cross and celebrates more than 50,000 blood donations collected in Southern California. Established in 2007 by Mahagony Thomas of the United States Probation Office, the program has grown into the nation’s largest and most successful battle of the badges campaign. Chaired by Los Angeles Chief of Police Michael Moore this year’s blood drive exceeded the 2023 collection goal of 2,000 units and collected more than 3,000 units to support patients in need.
“I am honored that the American Red Cross chose me to serve as the Executive Chairperson for the 2023 Battle of the Badges campaign. The act of donating blood is such a simple gesture of kindness and empathy to help someone in need during very difficult times. I am proud of LAPD personnel and our First Responder partners who helped exceed prior years for number of blood drives and the amount of blood donated. I am excited by what we collectively accomplished and look forward to partnering with American Red Cross on future donorship campaigns to save lives.”
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device 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 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 comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org/la or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCrossLA.
