Asheville 11th Annual Battle of the Badges Blood Drive

ASHEVILLE, NC (Jan. 25, 2021) — Asheville’s first responders are gearing up to see who can recruit the most eligible blood

donors during the 11th American Red Cross Battle of the Badges blood drive competition on Wednesday, Feb. 24 from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church, 5 Oak St., in Asheville. The annual contest aims to grow its impact and potentially help save the lives of nearly 500 lives in western North Carolina and beyond.

Battle of the Badges is a friendly competition between the Asheville Fire Department, Asheville Police Department, Buncombe County Emergency Medical Service, Buncombe County Sheriff's Office and the North Carolina Highway Patrol. The blood drive encourages community members to join local first responders to help save lives. Donors at the blood drive will vote for their favorite agency before they donate, and the winning team of first responders is announced at the end of the drive.

“Our first responders know, firsthand, how important it is to have blood readily available for emergencies,” said Angela Powley, donor services executive, Greater Carolinas Blood Services Region. “By helping replenish the blood supply, first responders go above and beyond the call of duty. We’re grateful to our partners who step up to the challenge by organizing this drive and educating the community about the importance of blood donation.”

All presenting donors will receive a free T-shirt, while supplies last. Appointments are strongly encouraged. To schedule an appointment, visit RedCrossBlood.org, enter sponsor code avlbattleofbadges or call 1-800-REDCROSS.

Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive and are required to wear a face covering or mask while at the drive, in alignment with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention public guidance.

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.