The Seventh Annual Battle of the Badges is an opportunity for all badge carrying personnel, including friends and family, to positively impact our community by competing in a friendly competition** to see who can donate the most blood and ultimately save the most lives.

We can have a substantial impact on the availability of blood for accident victims, cancer patients, premature babies and burn patients. During the 2012 Battle of the Badges campaign, 5,178 donors were recruited by the U.S. Probation Office and participating agencies. Our goal is to have 5,500 donors for this year's campaign!

Why should you participate? Less than 3 percent of people in the American Red Cross Southern California Blood Services Region donates blood.

• In Southern California, the American Red Cross must distribute more than 400,000 units of blood each year to help patients in need.
• The community blood supply is everyone’s responsibility.
• You could help save lives.

How can you participate?

• Host your own drive. Agencies who host a drive must have a minimum of 40 sign-ups from their own organization, a neighboring organization, or from friends and family. Space must be available inside building or outside for blood mobile.
• Participate in a Battle of the Badges blood drive already scheduled.
  Find a Battle of the Badges drive near you.
• Donate at a Red Cross Blood Donor Center near you.
  Search your area and schedule a donation appointment online or call 1-800-RED CROSS.

** Agencies will win awards based on the number and percentage of blood drive particpants.
See participating agencies, scorecard and award winners.

* Although this year’s campaign does not officially begin until January 16th, December 16th through January 6th is a period where the blood supply has historically dropped to critically low levels. When selecting your blood drive date, please consider a date within the critical period prior to the public launch. In return, each blood drive participant will receive a coupon for a free Cold Stone Creamery Creation in addition to the general promotional items.

All blood drive participants in the 2013 Battle of the Badges will receive a Battle of the Badges t-shirt, a coupon for a free appetizer from Mimi's Cafe, and tickets to Laugh Factory (all offers subject to availability).