Public Encouraged to Support the “Battle of the Badges” on June 22

Battle of the Badges

CLARKSVILLE, IN (June 13, 2022) – They hit the streets each day to keep you and your family safe, now they are asking for your help in saving lives. Clarksville Police and the Clarksville Fire Department are calling on the public to take part in the annual “Battle of the Badge” blood drive. The event is organized by the departments and the American Red Cross.

This year’s event will be held from 2:00-7:00pm at the Clarksville Community Center, located at 2311 Sam Gwin Drive. Each person who gives blood will be asked if they are there to support the Police or the Fire Department. All the votes will be tallied at the end of the blood drive, and one of the departments will win bragging rights for the next year. The Clarksville Police Department won in 2021 with 42 donations, while the Clarksville Fire Department had 20 donations.

“CPD may have won the battle last year but as public safety agencies we really believe that the community is the greatest winner,” said Clarksville Fire Chief Brandon Skaggs. “I’m honored to donate and proud of all of the people who donate!”

“We are in it to win it, but everyone wins in the end,” said Corporal John Miller of the Clarksville Police Department. “We are proud to come together for this great cause!

If you would like to schedule an appointment for the “Battle of the Badges” blood drive, CLICK HERE. The American Red Cross says the local blood supply is still ‘critically low’, and donations are still badly needed. If you are unable to make the ‘Battle of the Badges’ blood drive, you can still make an appointment for another upcoming drive.

Facts About Blood Supply

  • Every 2 seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood and or platelets.
  • Approximately 29,000 units of red blood cells are needed every day in the U. S.
  • Nearly 5,000 units of platelets and 6.500 units of plasma are needed daily in the U.S.
  • Nearly 16 million blood components are transfused each year in the U.S.
  • Sickle cell disease affects up to 100,000 people in the U.S., and Sickle cell patients can require blood transfusions throughout their lives.
  • The average red blood cell transfusion is approximately 3 units.
  • A single car accident victim can require as many as 100 units of blood.
  • Blood and platelets cannot be manufactured; they can only come from volunteer donors.
  • The blood type most often requested by hospitals is type O.
  • One donation can help save more than one life.