News release
Southern California’s first responders are swapping sirens for sleeves — and inviting the community to join them in a lifesaving mission: The 20th annual Battle of the Badges blood drive is underway.
For the 20th campaign since 2007, first responders are working together — and in friendly competition — to bolster the community’s blood supply. During the Battle of the Badges blood drive, L.A. County law and public safety agencies compete to see who can recruit the most blood donors.
The blood drives are being held through March 31 at locations throughout Southern California, including two in the Santa Clarita Valley. Everyone who donates at a Battle of the Badges blood drive will receive a commemorative T-shirt, while supplies last.
“The need for blood is constant — every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood,” Jacquelyn Clites, chief executive officer of the American Red Cross Los Angeles Region, said in a news release. “Donations help new parents, premature babies, cancer patients and accident victims access lifesaving blood. When first responders step up to donate, they not only ensure an adequate blood supply but also inspire Angelenos to donate and save lives.”
Since Mahagony Thomas of the United States Probation Office launched the Battle of the Badges blood drive in 2007, more than 50,000 pints of blood have been donated in Southern California. In 2025 alone, the campaign collected 4,198 pints between Jan. 1 and April 30, with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department leading as the top collecting agency with 832 pints.
Upcoming Battle of the Badges blood donation opportunities include two in the SCV:
• Castaic: 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27, at the Los Angeles County Pitchess Detention Center, NCCF Visitor Center, 29340 The Old Road.
• Valencia: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 16, at Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital – EC Rooms, 23803 McBean Parkway.
These blood drives come as the Red Cross recovers from canceled drives due to severe weather across the country. Blood and platelet donors are needed now to ensure patient needs are met in the coming weeks, the release said.
You can make an appointment by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) and enter sponsor code BOB25.
Completion of a RapidPass online health history questionnaire found at redcrossblood.org/rapidpass is encouraged to help speed up the donation process. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in.
Individuals who are 17 years of age, weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org.
