LifeSouth Community Blood Centers has announced the 2024 Battle of the Badges, a blood drive competition challenging first responders across Northeast Florida to donate.
All in the community are encouraged to donate throughout April at LifeSouth blood donor centers and blood drives on behalf of either the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office or Jacksonville Fire & Rescue Department as part of the competition in seeing who receives the most blood donations.
Battle of the Badges will conclude on April 30; the winner will be announced in May.
In Florida, the state is hovering between a one- to two-day blood supply or less, according to America’s Blood Centers. All blood types are needed to help support the local blood supply, ensuring hospitals have the blood required on a daily basis to treat trauma cases, surgical procedures and patients needing blood transfusions.
Battle of the Badges is an opportunity for first responders to provide the community with lifesaving service, in addition to the vital work they do across Northeast Florida day in and day out.
Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, LifeSouth supplies blood to 70% of Northeast Florida hospital beds through its service to many regional hospitals, including Baptist Medical Center Beaches, Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville, Baptist Medical Center Nassau, Baptist Medical Center South, HCA Florida Memorial Hospital, HCA Florida Orange Park Hospital, UF Health Jacksonville, UF Health North and Wolfson Children’s Hospital.
These hospitals rely on LifeSouth and LifeSouth blood donors to make sure blood is available before it is needed. All blood types are asked to donate now to ensure local hospitals have the blood needed to help patients suffering from traumas, cancers and chronic illnesses.
All Battle of the Badges participants will receive a $20 e-gift card, special recognition T-shirt and more. The winner of the competition will receive a plaque celebrating their accomplishment, as well as bragging rights. Participating organizations include Veterans United Craft Brewery, Fishweir Brewing Company, Dick’s Wings and Grill (Mandarin and San Pablo), Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department, Downtown Jacksonville and Fire Academy of the South.
All blood drives (listed below) are open to the public. Walk-ons are available, but appointments are encouraged.
Participating First Responder Drives:
For additional information about donation or to find a blood drive near you, call LifeSouth toll-free at 888-795-2707, go to www.lifesouth.org or download the LifeSouth app. Appointments can also be made online.
