The 2026 Battle of the Badges Blood Drive got off to a strong start Thursday, largely due to two increases.
The first was an increase in staff, which led to an increase in available appointment slots for the drive inside Emporia’s Twelfth Avenue Baptist Church. The reason for the increases? The need for blood has reached critical levels in the last week for a few reasons, according to American Red Cross Spokesperson Susan Faler.
Thursday’s drive managed to collect 96 pints of blood well above the goal of 80. If you were unable to donate Thursday, you still have time and plenty of opportunity, according to Faler, as day two of the blood drive will run from 8 am to 2 pm Friday with more than 30 slots open at last word.
If you would like to schedule an appointment for the Battle of the Badges, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED-CROSS, or download the Red Cross donor app. As usual, the blood donation event involves Emporia Fire, Emporia Police, Lyon County deputies and the Lyon County Emergency Communications department.
Following their donations, residents will be able to vote for their favorite first responder agency, with the top-voting agency claiming the traveling trophy. Vote totals will be announced at the conclusion of the drive Friday.
