PRESS RELEASE July 13, 2018

NASHVILLE, Tenn.  — The Metropolitan Nashville Police Department, Davidson County Sheriff’s Office and Nashville Fire Department are teaming up with the American Red Cross, the Tennessee Titans and Saint Thomas Health to clash for a cause – to help save lives and earn top bragging rights at the annual Music City Battle of the Badges blood drive, presented by Saint Thomas Health | Ascension. The community is encouraged to give blood Monday, July 16 from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.* at Nissan Stadium, East Club, (located to the right of the Titans Ticket Office), 1 Titans Way, Nashville. Parking is available in Lot C. The awards presentation for the Music City Battle of the Badges will be held immediately following the blood drive. (*Please try to arrive 15-30 minutes in advance to allot time to enter stadium security check points. To ensure safety, stadium security personnel will check for prohibited items being carried inside the stadium.)

The Heather Trew Foundation for organ, eye and tissue donation will be on hand to register potential organ donors and 104.5 The Zone will broadcast live. All presenting donors will receive a free commemorative T-shirt, while supplies last. Additionally, presenting donors will be entered in a drawing for a chance to win Tennessee Titans tickets; a 55-inch LED TV, 32-inch TV; an Amazon Echo Dot Smart Speaker; a $10 Starbucks gift card, $20 gift cards tumblers and more**. **Offers and items are non-transferable, not redeemable for cash and while supplies last.

This blood drive comes as the Red Cross faces an emergency blood shortage and is issuing an urgent call for blood donors to give now so patients can continue to receive the lifesaving treatment they need. Right now, blood products are being distributed to hospitals faster than donations are coming in. More donations are needed now to help replenish the blood supply.

“Blood donation is incredibly important as it is used for a wide range of clinical circumstances, and donated blood often saves lives,” said Dr. Ali Bollinger, MD, Chief of Emergency Medicine at Saint Thomas Midtown Hospital. “At Saint Thomas Health and Ascension, we are honored to be a part of this fun but important event at Nissan Stadium.”

The need is especially critical for type O blood donors. Type O negative is the universal blood type and what emergency room personnel reach for when there is no time to determine the blood type of patients in the most serious situations.

“On numerous occasions, our police officers have used their emergency medical equipment and training to control the bleeding of injured persons they are called upon to help,” said Chief Steve Anderson.  “Once at the hospital, the availability of life-sustaining blood can be crucial to their survival and recovery.  The Battle of the Badges blood drive helps remind us all of the importance of maintaining Nashville’s blood supply for medical emergencies that could involve any of us or someone we know.”

This drive marks a ten-year partnership with the Red Cross. Honoring law enforcement and fire personnel, while helping to save lives through blood donation, is a long-standing tradition in Nashville.

“Every year this competition is a way to help support a valuable partnership between the Nashville Fire Department and community,” said Nashville Fire Department Director Chief William Swann. “This is literally the gift of life and we are committed to doing anything we can to make sure the blood supply in Davidson County is always strong.”

In the last 10 years, the Music City Battle of the Badges blood drive has collected over 2,385 pints of lifesaving blood. Last year, local officers and personnel collaboratively collected a total of 336 pints at the finale drive. This year, they hope to exceed last year’s milestone.

“In support of our community, our agencies go out of our way to expand The Music City Battle of the Badges blood drive,” said Davidson County Sheriff Daron Hall. “This year, we not only hope to defend our title, but also for the first time, all agencies hope to surpass the mark of 1,000 pints donated. With these donations staying in the middle Tennessee area, no matter what agency wins, the real winners are those that receive the lifesaving blood from this battle.”

Those with types O, A negative and B negative blood are encouraged to make a Power Red donation at this blood drive. Power Red donors give a concentrated dose of red blood cells during a single donation, allowing them to maximize their impact.

How to donate blood

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter sponsor code: MusicCityBOB or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. Walk-ins are also welcome. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. 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 in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), 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.

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass^® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, from a computer or mobile device. To get started and learn more, visit RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.

About Saint Thomas Health

In Tennessee, Ascension’s Saint Thomas Health operates nine hospitals in addition to a comprehensive network of affiliated joint ventures, medical practices, clinics and rehabilitation facilities that cover a 68-county area and employ more than 8,000 associates.  Across the state, Saint Thomas Health provided more than $92 million in community benefit and care of persons living in poverty in fiscal year 2017.  Serving Tennessee for 15 years, Ascension is a faith-based healthcare organization committed to delivering compassionate, personalized care to all, with special attention to persons living in poverty and those most vulnerable.  Ascension is the largest non-profit health system in the U.S. and the world’s largest Catholic health system, operating more than 2,600 sites of care – including 151 hospitals and more than 50 senior living facilities – in 22 states and the District of Columbia. Visit www.sthealth.com.

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit RedCross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.