Battle of the Badges — 4 days. 4 sites. 1 goal: to save lives
CONCORD — The third annual Battle of the Badges Blood Drive returns to Cabarrus County next week, July 20-23, inviting the entire community to roll up their sleeves and support local first responders in a friendly competition where every donation can help save lives.
The annual competition pits Cabarrus County EMS, fire departments and law enforcement agencies against each other in a race to collect the most blood donations. The group with the most donations earns bragging rights and a trophy.
Cabarrus County EMS got the top spot for the past two years, but the challengers are hoping to offer some competition in 2026.
The locations
Blood drives will be held at the following locations:
• Monday, July 20: Laureate Center and Mt. Pleasant Lion's Club Hut
• Tuesday, July 21: EMS Headquarters
• Wednesday, July 22: Harrisburg Fire Department
• Thursday, July 23: EMS Headquarters
Last year's event collected more than 218 pints of blood, setting a new North Carolina record. Organizers hope to surpass that milestone this year.
"It's more than a friendly competition,” said Cabarrus County EMS Capt. Kimberly Allred. “It’s an opportunity for our community to make a lifesaving impact. With Cabarrus County EMS now carrying and administering blood in the field, every donation helps ensure this critical resource is available when seconds matter most. Your donation could help save a life before a patient ever reaches the hospital."
The Battle of the Badges, shown here in 2025, consists of blood drives at four locations Monday through Thursday, July 20-23.
The need is great
The event comes as blood donations remain critically important. According to the American Red Cross:
• One donation can help save up to three lives.
• Someone in the United States needs blood every two seconds.
• Although about 37% of people are eligible to donate, fewer than 10% donate each year.
The need is especially critical during summer, when blood donations typically decline as schools are out of session and families travel. According to the Red Cross, the nation's blood supply dropped nearly 25% in June, prompting the organization to declare an emergency shortage and urge donors to help replenish supplies.
Donors will receive food, giveaways and opportunities to win door prizes throughout the event.
Participating agencies include Cabarrus County EMS, Cabarrus County Fire Services, the Cabarrus County Sheriff's Office, Concord Police Department, Concord Fire Department, Kannapolis Police Department, Kannapolis Fire Department, Harrisburg Fire Department and Cabarrus County volunteer fire departments.
Appointments are encouraged and can be scheduled at: http://bit.ly/4ps3hZs or by visiting the EMS Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/cabarruscountyems and finding the link in the “Events” section. While you’re there, follow the page.
Walk-ins are welcome at all blood drive locations.
