More than 1,400 Lives Saved Thanks to Donors at 14th Annual Music City Battle of the Badges

 

Davidson County Sheriff’s Office tops blood donations

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Sept. 13, 2022 — The Metropolitan Nashville Police Department, Nashville-Davidson County Sheriff’s Office, Nashville Fire Department, ended a friendly competition during the annual Ascension Saint Thomas Music City Battle of the Badges – Presented by the Tennessee Titans blood drive with 1,424 blood donations. The annual blood drive competition ended on Sept. 7 at Nissan Stadium.  

The annual “Battle of the Badges” blood drives in the past have created friendly competition that takes place to see which Badge can collect the most pints for patient care. "This year, we are pleased to announce that all badges achieved our goals,” said Clif Redish, Interim Regional Donor Services Officer for the American Red Cross Tennessee Region. The Davidson County Sheriff’s Office topped the competition with 694 donations, the Nashville Metro Police department had a total of 448 donations, and the Nashville Fire Department garnered 282 donations during the blood drive.

“These local heroes in the Nashville metro area prove that together we truly are making a difference in the lives of patients in need through blood donation during a difficult time for blood donations nationwide,” Redish added. Nationally, the Red Cross is seeing fewer blood and platelet donors following a summer decline in donations. This comes at a time when the Red Cross continues to see strong demand for blood products − including platelets − by hospitals.

The "Battle of the Badges” marks a 14-year partnership with the Red Cross and is one of the largest-sponsored blood drives in Tennessee. Supporting law enforcement and fire personnel, while helping to save lives through blood donation, is a long-standing tradition.

“We appreciate all donors who showed up for this great event,” said Redish. “We could not have had such a successful drive without our great title sponsors Ascension Saint Thomas and the Tennessee Titans. Coming together as a united community really does make an impact.”

Blood can be safely donated every 56 days and Power Reds can be donated every 112 days. Platelets can be given every seven days – up to 24 times a year. One pint of blood can save multiple lives.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org/Tennessee or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCrossTN. The American Red Cross Tennessee Region serves all 95 counties in Tennessee, Crittenden County in Arkansas and Desoto and Tunica counties in Mississippi. The Tennessee Region – part of a nationwide network of locally supported chapters - is comprised of the following eight Red Cross chapters: East Tennessee, Heart of Tennessee, Mid-South, Mid-West Tennessee, Nashville Area, Southeast Tennessee, Northeast Tennessee, and Tennessee River.

 

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