The NOPD will once again join forces with The Blood Center and WDSU-TV for the annual Battle of the Badges Blood Drive, taking place from 5 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the parking lot of WDSU’s studios at 846 Howard Avenue.

During this event, The Blood Center will accept all blood type donations from members of First Responder agencies including the NOPD, New Orleans Fire Department and New Orleans EMS, along with their friends and family as well as from the public. The donations will be tallied in a friendly competition between the three agencies. Those donating are asked to note for which agency they are donating.

During last year’s event, which was moved due to Hurricane Ida recovery, the NOPD claimed victory with 28 donors to EMS’ 22 donors and NOFD’s 20 donors.

Those who cannot attend the event on September 9 can also donate at any of The Blood Center’s locations through September 10 and note for which agency they wish the donation to be counted.

Donors at the Sept. 9 event will receive a "First Responders for Life" water bottle, plus option to receive a free VIP admission ticket to The Mortuary Haunted House! Food and refreshments will also be available for donors to relax after giving blood.

While walk-up donations will be honored, appointments are also recommended and can be scheduled by visiting https://www.tbcdonors.org/.../schedules/drive_schedule/45079. Also, the required donor questionnaire can be filled out in advance by visiting https://www.thebloodcenter.org/fast-lane on the day of your donation.

Founded in 1960, The Blood Center provides blood to 50 hospitals and outpatient transfusion facilities throughout the southern regions of Louisiana and Mississippi. The Blood Center’s mission is to provide a quality supply of blood components to meet the needs of the communities it serves, and to provide the technical support needed by the blood banking profession to achieve the highest safety and ethical standards. To learn more about The Blood Center, visit www.thebloodcenter.org.