AUGUST 10, 2023 – Law enforcement and fire personnel are often the first to respond when there is an emergency. They are also quick to act when there is a community need, such as the need for blood donations. The American Red Cross is partnering with local first responders for the 14th Annual Lincoln County Battle of the Badges Blood Drive in the North Platte on Monday, September 11, 2023.
During this blood drive, local Fire and Police personnel will compete to see who can recruit the most blood donors. More than 1,200 units of blood have been collected in the previous 13 years of this drive. In addition to supporting patients who need blood, this drive also serves as a way to honor first responders as the country recognizes the anniversary of 9-11.
14th Annual Lincoln County Battle of the Badges Blood Drive
Monday, September 11, 2022
11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Venue 304 (304 E. 5th Street, North Platte, NE 69101)
All who come to donate will receive a commemorative Battle of the Badges t-shirt and lunch.
Recently the American Red Cross has experienced a decline in donations, leading to a 20% drop in the blood supply. There is a constant need for blood; hospitals and patients need donors to book appointments now to help prevent a blood shortage.
How to donate blood
To schedule an appointment:
- Download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App
- Visit org
- Call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767)
Use sponsor code: NPbattleofbadges to donate this drive.
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.
Blood Drive Safety
The Red Cross no longer requires that its vaccinated employees and volunteers wear masks. Individuals may choose to continue to wear a mask for any reason masks are available for those in attendance at blood drives and donation centers. The Red Cross will remain in compliance with state or local laws.
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.
