NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Each day, they help save lives while on the job and now, they're teaming up with the American Red Cross, Saint Thomas Health and the Tennessee Titans to help save lives off the job. Join the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department, Davidson County Sheriff's Office and Nashville Fire Department as they face off in a friendly competition to benefit hospital patients. Give blood at the Music City Battle of the Badges blood drive, presented by Saint Thomas Health Monday, July 17 from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.* at Nissan Stadium, East, (located to the right of the Titans Stadium Pro Shop), 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.)

DKMS, (formerly Delete Blood Cancer), will be on hand to register potential bone marrow 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 32-inch color TV, $20 gift cards, a color Bluetooth speaker; Plugz Earbuds with mic; tumblers and more.

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

"We are excited Battle of the Badges is just around the corner and sheriff's office employees are ready to defend our title," said Davidson County Sheriff Daron Hall. "In the end, no matter what agency gets the most donations, the real winners are those who receive the lifesaving blood from this battle. I encourage everyone to give the gift of life on July 17 or any other day."

The Battle of the Badges blood drive comes at an important time when the American Red Cross is experiencing a significant blood shortage and is issuing an emergency request for eligible blood donors of all blood types to roll up a sleeve now and help save lives. While summer blood shortages are not uncommon, they can be overcome when generous volunteers roll up their sleeves to restock the shelves.

"Blood is vital for the operation of all our organs and that's why donating blood is exceptionally important," said Ali Bollinger, MD, Chief of Emergency Medicine at Saint Thomas Midtown.  "We are so proud at Saint Thomas Health and Ascension to be a part of this fun but important event at Nissan Stadium."

How to donate blood

Schedule your appointment by calling 1-800-RED CROSS, downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App or visiting*redcrossblood.org and using sponsor code:MusicCityBOB*. Walk-ins are 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 (16 with parental consent in some states), 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 donors can now 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, prior to arriving at the blood drive. 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 $78 million in community benefit and care of persons living in poverty in fiscal year 2016.  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 2,500 sites of care – including 141 hospitals and more than 30 senior living facilities – in 24 states and the District of Columbia.   Visit www.sthealth.com

About DKMS

DKMS is part of the world's largest network of donor centers. Our mission is to build the number of suitable bone marrow and stem cell donors, because we believe that no life should be lost due to an inability to find a donor match. We have registered more than 6 million potential donors and facilitated more than 55,000 transplants around the world. But we're not stopping there. We lead the fight against blood cancer by working with families, communities and organizations to recruit donors and provide more patients with second chances at life. For more information or to register as a bone marrow donor, please visit DeleteBloodCancer.org.

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.