SAN DIEGO –The American Red Cross asks people to book a time to give blood or platelets now to address a recent drop in donation appointments that could lead to fewer transfusions for patients in the weeks ahead. Type O blood donors are especially needed to ensure a strong blood supply.
The start of summer can shake up normal routines, but it’s important for donation appointments to stay on the calendar – especially as Memorial Day weekend approaches. More than 42 million Americans are expected to travel over the holiday, meaning fewer donors may be available to give.
Appointments are critical this week for people waiting for lifesaving care. Download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to schedule a time to give now.
In thanks for making and keeping appointments, the Red Cross will help donors prepare for beach days and backyard fun as the season begins:
- All who come to give through May 31 will receive an exclusive Red Cross beach towel, while supplies last.*
- Donors in May will also be automatically entered for a chance to win a trip for two to the 2023 MLB® All-Star Game® in Seattle, including two tickets to the 2023 MLB® All-Star Game® thanks to the support of Fanatics, round-trip airfare, four-night hotel accommodations, a $750 gift card and more.*
- Those who come to give June 1-30 will receive a $10 gift card by email to a merchant of their choice. Plus, they’ll also be automatically entered for a chance to win a backyard theater package including a projector and screen, projector tripod, smokeless firepit, Adirondack chair set and a movie night snack package.^
How to donate blood
To make an appointment, simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. 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.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities, May 22-June 15:
Carlsbad
5/25/2023: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Shoppes at Carlsbad, 2525 El Camino Real
6/1/2023: 7:30 a.m. – 2 p.m., F45 Training Bressi Ranch, 2662 Gateway Road
6/12/2023: 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Jersey Mike’s La Costa, 7625 Via Campanile, Suite 122
Chula Vista
5/22/2023: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m., Chula Vista Elks Lodge, 901 Elks Lane
6/6/2023: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Chula Vista Elks Lodge, 901 Elks Lane
6/7/2023: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Eastlake Community Church, 990 Lane Ave
6/15/2023: 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Chula Vista Presbyterian Church, 940 Hilltop Dr
Coronado
5/31/2023: 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., City of Coronado Community Center, 1845 Strand Way
El Cajon
6/15/2023: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., East County Transitional Living Center, 1527 E Main Street
Encinitas
5/26/2023: 10:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., Best Buy, 1046 N. El Camino Real
6/1/2023: 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m., Scripps Memorial Hospital, 354 Santa Fe Drive
6/3/2023: 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., UC San Diego North County Cancer Services, 1200 Garden View Road
6/7/2023: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., San Dieguito United Methodist Church, 170 Calle Magdalena
Escondido
5/27/2023: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Escondido East Valley Community Center, 2245 East Valley Parkway
5/28/2023: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., North County Mall, 272 E. Via Rancho Pkwy
5/30/2023: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Escondido Police Department, 1163 N. Centre City Parkway
6/1/2023: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., North County Mall, 272 E. Via Rancho Pkwy
6/6/2023: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Escondido East Valley Community Center, 2245 East Valley Parkway
Fallbrook
5/24/2023: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Christ the King Lutheran Church, 1620 S Stage Coach Lane
6/7/2023: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Christ the King Lutheran Church, 1620 S Stage Coach Lane
6/13/2023: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Fallbrook Library, 124 South Mission Rd
Imperial Beach
6/14/2023: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., YMCA Camp Surf, 560 Silver Strand Blvd
La Jolla
5/25/2023: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Shiley Fitness Center, 10820 N Torrey Pines Road
5/30/2023: 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Residence Inn, 8901 Gilman Drive
6/5/2023: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., Lawrence Family JCC, 4126 Executive Drive
6/6/2023: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Torrey Pines Church, 8320 La Jolla Scenic Dr N
La Mesa
6/5/2023: 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., La Mesa Adult Enrichment Center, 8450 La Mesa Blvd
Oceanside
5/25/2023: 8 a.m. – 7 p.m., Oceanside Masonic Center, 511 Eucalyptus
6/1/2023: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Oceanside First Presbyterian Church, 2001 El Camino Real
6/4/2023: 8 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., New Song Community Church, 3985 Mission Ave
6/6/2023: 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m., VA San Diego Healthcare Systems Oceanside CBOC, 1300 Rancho Del Oro Rd
6/8/2023: 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m., El Camino High School, 400 Rancho Del Oro
6/13/2023: 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., GILEAD and Kite, 4100 Avenida De La Plata, Building 600
6/15/2023: 8 a.m. – 7 p.m., Oceanside Masonic Center, 511 Eucalyptus
Poway
5/23/2023: 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., National Powersport Auction, 12400 Stowe Dr.
6/8/2023: 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Mossy Nissan Poway, 14100 Poway Rd
Ramona
6/8/2023: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., North Coast Church, 1710 Montecito Road
San Diego
Red Cross Kearny Mesa Blood Donation Center, 4229 Ponderosa Ave., Suite C
See RedCrossBlood.org for hours
5/24/2023: 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., The Heights Golf Club, 16066 Bernardo Heights Pkwy
5/31/2023: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., The Church at Rancho Bernardo, 11740 Bernardo Plaza Court
6/2/2023: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Coast 9, 11120 Roselle Street
6/6/2023: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Autobahn Therapeutics, 9880 Campus Point Dr, Suite 370
6/8/2023: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., AVA Pacific Beach, 3883 Ingraham St
6/8/2023: 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina, 1380 Harbor Island Drive
6/9/2023: 10:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., 4S Ranch Branch Library, 10433 Reserve Drive
6/10/2023: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., New Hope Seventh-day Adventist Church, 2420 52nd St
6/11/2023: 8 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Hope Worldwide The Mission at PHHS, 6702 Wandermere Dr
6/12/2023: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Mission Valley YMCA, 5505 Friars Road
6/13/2023: 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Dylan Point Loma Apartments, 2930 Barnard St
6/13/2023: 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Circle K, 2535 Otay Center Dr
6/14/2023: 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Pura Vida at Westfield UTC, 4301 La Jolla Village Dr Suite 1000
6/14/2023: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., UC San Diego Health Hillcrest, 132 Dickinson St
San Marcos
5/23/2023: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., The Lodge at Lake San Marcos, 1105 La Bonita Dr
5/28/2023: 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Walmart, 732 Center Drive
6/4/2023: 8 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Rock Church, 1370 W San Marcos Blvd
Santee
5/31/2023: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., Sonrise Church, 8805 N Magnolia Ave