North Las Vegas Battle of the Badges blood drive collects record 116 units during national shortage

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North Las Vegas police officers, firefighters and Red Cross staff gather with the Battle of the Badges trophy during a record-breaking blood drive.

The fifth annual North Las Vegas Battle of the Badges Blood Drive collected a record 116 units of blood at the Aliante Casino Hotel on Wednesday, July 22, marking the first time the event has topped 100 units. The annual friendly competition between North Las Vegas police officers and firefighters surpassed the previous event record of 97 units, providing critical donations as hospitals work to bolster depleted supplies.

“This event shows what can happen when a community comes together for a common purpose,” said Rachel Flanigan, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Southern Nevada Chapter. “Our police officers and firefighters inspired an incredible turnout, and every person who donated helped make this the most successful Battle of the Badges we’ve ever held.”

Nationwide blood shortage persists

The record turnout arrives as the American Red Cross responds to a national emergency blood and platelet shortage declared on July 13. National blood supply levels dropped approximately 25% in June, leaving less than a two-day supply for several key blood types. Although donor turnout has increased in recent weeks, inventory has not recovered quickly enough to match hospital demand for patients undergoing surgery, emergency care and cancer treatment.

The Red Cross faces an especially urgent need for type O positive and type B negative blood. Type O positive is the most transfused blood type and can be given to more than 80% of the population, while type B negative is found in less than 2% of the population, leaving those patients able to receive transfusions only from B negative or O negative donors.

Community support and donor incentives

This year’s Battle of the Badges was supported by several regional community partners, including Republic Services, JustServe, Bridging the Gap – Adult Sickle Cell Disease Foundation of Nevada, Suburban Propane and Dignity Neighborhood Hospitals.

To help rebuild the supply, the Red Cross is offering a Fandango movie ticket valued up to $15 by email to anyone who comes to donate blood through July 31. Residents can schedule an appointment to give blood through the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting redcross.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS.