Battle of the Badges blood drive returns to Cabarrus County
Third annual competition brings together EMS, firefighters and law enforcement to boost lifesaving blood donations as summer shortages persist.
The annual Battle of the Badges Blood Drive returns to Cabarrus County this week, giving residents an opportunity to help save lives while supporting local first responders in a friendly competition.
The third annual event, which runs July 20-23, pits Cabarrus County EMS, local fire departments and law enforcement agencies against one another to see which group can inspire the most blood donations. The agency with the most donations earns a traveling trophy and yearlong bragging rights.
Cabarrus County EMS has claimed the title the past two years, but organizers say the competition ultimately serves a much greater purpose: helping ensure hospitals and emergency responders have a reliable blood supply when lives are on the line.
Last year’s Battle of the Badges collected more than 218 pints of blood, setting a North Carolina record for the event. Organizers are hoping to surpass that milestone this year.
“It’s more than a friendly competition,” said Cabarrus County EMS Capt. Kimberly Allred. “It’s an opportunity for our community to make a lifesaving impact. With Cabarrus County EMS now carrying and administering blood in the field, every donation helps ensure this critical resource is available when seconds matter most. Your donation could help save a life before a patient ever reaches the hospital.”
The blood drive comes at a time when donations are especially needed. According to the American Red Cross, someone in the United States needs blood every two seconds, and a single donation can help save up to three lives. While about 37% of people are eligible to donate blood, fewer than 10% do so each year.
The need becomes even more acute during the summer months, when schools are out of session and families travel, leading to fewer donations. The Red Cross recently reported the nation’s blood supply declined by nearly 25% in June and declared an emergency blood shortage while urging eligible donors to give.
Blood drives will be held at four locations throughout the week:
Monday, July 20: Laureate Center in Kannapolis and Mt. Pleasant Lions Club Hut
Tuesday, July 21: Cabarrus County EMS Headquarters
Wednesday, July 22: Harrisburg Fire Department
Thursday, July 23: Cabarrus County EMS Headquarters
Donors will receive food, giveaways and opportunities to win door prizes throughout the event.
Participating agencies include Cabarrus County EMS, Cabarrus County Fire Services, the Cabarrus County Sheriff’s Office, Concord Police Department, Concord Fire Department, Kannapolis Police Department, Kannapolis Fire Department, Harrisburg Fire Department and Cabarrus County volunteer fire departments.
While walk-ins are welcome at all blood drive locations, appointments are encouraged. Donors can schedule an appointment online at http://bit.ly/4ps3hZs or by visiting the Cabarrus County EMS Facebook page and selecting the event link in the "Events" section.
For more information on County programs and services, visit www.cabarruscounty.us.