Today: Sign up for the Battle of the Badges Blood Drive

The countdown to the 11th Annual Battle of the Badges Blood Drive is on. Buncombe County and Asheville first responders face off every year for a lifesaving cause.

Local heroes are rolling up their sleeves and encouraging the community to do the same. Just one donation can save up to three lives. Sign up to donate today and support your favorite badged department. Last year's blood drive collected 146 units of much needed blood and Buncombe County Emergency Services took home the trophy. 

Sign up Online for the Battle of the Badges Blood Drive

The Blood Drive takes place on Wednesday, Feb. 24 from 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. at the First Baptist Church, at 5 Oak St. in Asheville. We'll be serving delicious food all day, and all Battle of the Badge donors will receive a free American Red Cross custom apron. All blood donations are tested for COVID-19 antibodies.

Rest assured, we are dedicated to ensuring the safety of all involved in our blood drive operations.

Safety Protocols

Blood drives are an essential service outlined by the CDC and follow CDC-recommended safety protocols, including but not limited to:

• Spacing appointments to minimize contact between blood drive participants
• Pre-screening drive attendees to assess health markers prior to blood drive entry
• Requiring face masks for all drive attendees
• Spacing donors 6 feet apart throughout the drive
• Enhanced cleaning practices throughout the blood drive

Battle of the Badges 2021 from Premier 1 Media B on Vimeo.