The Montgomery County Commissioners have issued a challenge to the Sheriff’s Office and Norristown’s Police and Fire departments to see who can recruit the most eligible blood donors in the community during their first ever American Red Cross Battle of the Badges blood drive competition on Tuesday, June 12.

“While our members of law enforcement are no strangers to saving lives, the Battle of the Badges gives them a chance to show off their competitive side while doing so,” said Dr. Val Arkoosh, chair, Montgomery County Commissioners. “Whether the Sheriff’s Office or Norristown’s Police and Fire departments come out ahead, we all win when our hospitals have enough blood donations.”

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Hosted by the employees of Montgomery County, the Sheriff’s Office will compete against the Norristown Police and Fire departments. Community members are invited to cast their vote by coming out to donate on June 12 between 9 a.m.-7 p.m. at the Montgomery County Human Services Center, 1430 DeKalb St., Norristown. Free parking will be available.

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

“This is a battle where nobody loses and those in need get to win,” said Norristown Fire Chief Thomas M. O’Donnell.

Battle of the Badges is a friendly competition that helps the Red Cross meet patient and hospital demand for blood, which is especially critical during the summer – a challenging time for blood collection.

“I don’t know what could be more fulfilling than saving someone’s life by donating just a few minutes of your time,” said Montgomery County Sheriff Sean P. Kilkenny.

All first-responder agencies that host Battle of Badges blood drives with the Red Cross between May 1-June 30 will compete to earn a spot on the nationwide leaderboard and could be crowned the winner of the best Battle of the Badges drive across the nation.

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.

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