First Responders Across Northeast Florida to Compete for a Good Cause
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — May 8, 2023 — LifeSouth Community Blood Centers is pleased to announce the 2023 Battle of the Badges, a blood drive competition challenging first responders across Northeast Florida to donate. All first responder organizations are invited to participate throughout the month of May at LifeSouth blood donor centers and blood drives. Battle of the Badges will conclude on May 31, 2023; the winner will be announced in June.
“Historically, May is a challenging month in receiving blood donations,” said Angela Byrd, District Director of LifeSouth Community Blood Centers of Northeast Florida. “Through partnering with our community’s first responders across Northeast Florida in the Battle of the Badges blood drive, we can further combat the issue of blood shortages and as a result, achieve the synchronized goal of saving more lives.”
In Florida, the state is hovering between a one to two day blood supply or less, according to America’s Blood Centers (ABC). All blood types are needed to help support the local blood supply, ensuring hospitals have the blood required on a daily basis to treat trauma cases, surgical procedures and patients needing blood transfusions. Battle of the Badges is an opportunity for first responders to provide the community with lifesaving service, in addition to the vital work they do across Northeast Florida day in and day out.
As a ‘thank you’ to our local heroes, all Battle of the Badges participants will receive a gift card, special recognition t-shirt and other special goodies. The winner of the competition will receive a plaque celebrating their accomplishment, as well as bragging rights. Participating organizations include Veterans United Craft Brewery, Dick’s Wings and Grill (Mandarin), Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department, Baker County Sheriff's Office and Fire Academy of the South. All blood drives (listed below) are open to the public. Walk-ons are available, but appointments are encouraged.
Participating First Responder Drives:
Veterans United Craft Brewery
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Saturday, May 6 from 1 p.m. - 6 p.m.
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8999 Western Way Ste 104, Jacksonville, FL 32256
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*One free beer given to donors
Dick's Wings and Grill - Mandarin
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Wednesday, May 10 from 2 p.m. - 8 p.m.
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10550 Old St.Augustine Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32257
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*One free beer given to donors
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Friday, May 19 from 11 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
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3726 Blanding Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32210
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Tuesday, May 9 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
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1680 Dunn Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32218
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Thursday, May 11 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
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5258 Norwood Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32208
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Tuesday, May 16 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
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515 N. Julia Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202
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Wednesday, May 17 from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
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501 E. Bay Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202
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Tuesday, May 23 from 11:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.
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1 Sheriff's Office Drive, Macclenny, FL 32063
Fire Academy of the South
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Friday, May 26 from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
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2700 Firefighter Memorial Dr., Jacksonville, FL 32246
LifeSouth Community Blood Centers is a 501(c)(3) non-profit community blood center, and serves as the sole supplier of blood products to Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department, HCA Florida Orange Park, all Baptist Medical locations, Wolfson Children’s Hospital, UF Health Jacksonville, among others in the community.
For additional information about donation or to find a blood drive near you, call LifeSouth toll-free at 888-795-2707, use the LifeSouth app or visit www.lifesouth.org. Appointments can also be made online.
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About LifeSouth:
LifeSouth is a non-profit community blood bank serving more than 125 hospitals in Alabama, Florida and Georgia. LifeSouth is committed to meeting the blood supply needs of hospitals and their patients by providing the highest quality blood components and services. The LifeSouth team is dedicated to making sure the blood is there when a patient is in need. To learn more, visit LifeSouth.org.