News release from the American Red Cross:
20th Anniversary Battle of the Badges Continues in Fort Wayne
Fire/EMS team currently leads competition with law enforcement
(December 18, 2014) — The 20th annual Battle of the Badges blood drive continues with the team of the Fort Wayne Fire Department and the Three Rivers Ambulance Authority leading with 279 units. The law enforcement team consisting of the Fort Wayne Police Department, Allen County Sheriff’s Department and Indiana State Police has encouraged 246 blood and platelet donations.
“Our goal is to collect 1,000 units of blood with this year’s drive, so we really need to rally support right now,” said Vince Robinson, external communications manager for the Indiana-Ohio Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross. “With your donation of whole blood or platelets, you’ll be saying ‘thank you’ to our area’s emergency responders as well as helping those hospital patients who rely on lifesaving blood products.”
The Battle of the Badges is the longest-running local blood donation competition in Fort Wayne and the community’s largest annual blood drive. This year’s drive continues through Saturday, December 20 at the Fort Wayne Donor Center and the Lutheran Donor Center. All donors will receive a commemorative Red Cross t-shirt and refreshments from Pizza Hut, while supplies last.
Battle of the Badges donation locations and hours:
The Fort Wayne Donor Center located at 1212 E. California Road in Fort Wayne, (across from the Memorial Coliseum)
- Thursday, Dec. 18: 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- Friday, Dec. 19: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Saturday, Dec. 20 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
The Lutheran Hospital Donor Center located at 7900 W. Jefferson Blvd., Suite 107 in Fort Wayne (in the South Lobby of Lutheran Hospital)
- Friday, Dec. 19 – Saturday, Dec. 20: 6 a.m – noon
The 20th anniversary Battle of the Badges is sponsored by 21Alive, WBCL 90.3 and Pizza Hut.
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcross.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.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.
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