Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
What: American Red Cross Southern Nevada Battle of the Badges Blood Drive
When: Wednesday, Feb. 8, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Where: Allegiant Stadium, 333 Al Davis Way
Who: Las Vegas Metropolitan Police vs. Las Vegas Fire & Rescue & Clark County Fire
LAS VEGAS (Feb. 1, 2023) — Clark County first responders are gearing up for some friendly competition at the Second Annual American Red Cross Las Vegas Battle of the Badges blood drive, Wednesday, Feb. 8, at the iconic Allegiant Stadium from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m.
“The Red Cross is dealing with a fragile blood supply nationwide,” said Rachael Flanigan, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Southern Nevada Chapter. “This important event is designed to help replenish the supply, and by participating, our local first responders are going above and beyond their normal call of duty.”
Severe weather and seasonal illnesses have caused widespread blood drive cancelations, leaving the nation’s blood supply threatened. “People in need depend on generous Red Cross blood donors, and we must bolster our reserves to ensure we can meet demand,” Flanigan said.
Battle of the Badges is a win for the community
This unique blood drive creates a friendly rivalry between Las Vegas Metropolitan Police officers and firefighters from Las Vegas Fire & Rescue and Clark County Fire to encourage blood donations. Donors vote for their favorite first responder group, and the team with the most votes at the end of the drive is declared the winner.
“As first responders, we see the need for blood donations,” said Fernando Gray, chief of Las Vegas Fire & Rescue. “We know that without a readily available blood supply, many emergency victims wouldn’t survive. We are encouraging the public to help us save lives by coming out on February 8 to donate.”
The Red Cross of Southern Nevada is partnering with FOX5 Las Vegas, Southpoint Hotel & Casino, Allegiant Stadium, Rimini Street, Republic Services and UnitedHealth Group/Optum to support the event.
Schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the blood drive
Go to RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS and use the LVBOTB sponsor code to schedule an appointment.
“The need for blood has life-and-death consequences for Southern Nevada,” said Kevin McMahill, Sheriff of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. “When donors give blood, they could be helping family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors – locally and across the country.”
One in seven patients entering a hospital will need a blood transfusion
“Every blood donation could save as many as three lives,” said John Steinbeck, Clark County Fire Chief and Red Cross of Southern Nevada board member. “Any of us could be in an accident or become ill some day and need blood; yet, in the U.S., where 62% of the population is eligible to give, only 3% does.”
Give blood in February. Get a reward
Amazon is providing $10 Amazon.com gift cards via email to those who donate blood to the Red Cross in February. In addition, February donors will also be automatically entered for a chance to win a trip for two to Clearwater Beach, Florida, including a three-night hotel stay, round-trip airfare, a $750 gift card, and more. Details are available at rcblood.org/heart.
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 or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.