39TH ANNUAL SAN DIEGO BLOOD DRIVE IN EAST COUNTY THIS WEEK
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One in seven people entering a hospital needs blood. Even more urgent, blood banks supplying those hospitals are often faced with shortages.
That is why for 39 years, the County has hosted an annual blood drive to meet the critical need for donations.
This year’s month-long event kicked off Monday, outside the County Administration Center, with Chief Medical Officer Eric McDonald describing the importance both donating and creating diversity among donors.
“We don’t have to look far to find someone we know in need of blood. My mother needed a transfusion, and we are thankful to blood donors who made it possible for her to be here with us today,” said Dr. McDonald. “It is important for those who have donated, and for those who haven’t, to step forward to provide a diverse blood pool. Certain blood types and surface proteins are unique to specific groups and if you have someone with a similar ethnic background, a blood transfusion is less likely to cause a reaction.”
To help spur regional donations, the County partnered last year with the San Diego Blood Bank, a Live Well San Diego partner, to create the Community Guardians Program. The project is dedicated to promoting and expanding blood donations.
The County drive is one of the largest and most successful collection events organized by the San Diego Blood Bank. Everyone is welcome, including non-County employees, to sign up to donate.
Blood Drives at County of San Diego Locations:
EAST REGION LIVE WELL CENTER | BOOK NOW MON, APR 10 | 9 am-2:30pm | Parking Lot, 367 N. Magnolia Ave., El Cajon, CA 92020
MISSION VALLEY FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER- NORTH CENTRAL/RESIDENTIAL | BOOK NOW TUES, APR 11 | 8 am-1:30 pm | North Parking Lot area, 7947 Mission Center Ct., San Diego, CA 92108
LEMON GROVE FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER | BOOK NOW TUES, APR 11 | 10 am–3:30 pm | Parking Lot, 7065 Broadway, Lemon Grove, CA 91945
SAN DIEGO COUNTY ROADS DEPARTMENT | BOOK NOW TUES, APR 11 | 11 am-4 pm | Parking Lot, 11970 Singer Ln., Spring Valley, CA 91978
NORTH INLAND LIVE WELL CENTER | BOOK NOW THURS, APR 13 | 9 am-2 pm | Parking Lot, 649 W. Mission Ave., Escondido, CA 92025
SEVILLE PLAZA | BOOK NOW THUR, APR 13 | 9 am-3 pm | Campus Visitor Parking Lot, 5469 Kearny Villa Rd., San Diego, CA 92123
SOUTH REGION LIVE WELL CENTER | BOOK NOW FRI, APR 14 | 8:30 am-2 pm | Parking Lot, 690 Oxford St., Chula Vista, CA 91911
NORTH COAST FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER | BOOK NOW FRI, APR 14 | 8 am-1 pm | 3708 Ocean Ranch Blvd., Oceanside, CA 92056
HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT SERVICES | BOOK NOW TUES, APR 18 | 9 am-3 pm | Parked Curbside, 3989 Ruffin Rd., San Diego, CA 92123
NORTH CENTRAL FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER | BOOK NOW WED, APR 19 | 10 am-4 pm | Parking Lot, 5055 Ruffin Rd., San Diego, CA 92123
SOUTH REGION FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER | BOOK NOW WED, APR 19 | 9 am-2:30 pm | Parking Lot, 401 Mile of Cars Way, National City, CA, 91950
CHILD WELFARE SERVICES | BOOK NOW TUE, APR 25 | 8:30 am-2:30 pm | Parking Lot, 8911 Balboa Ave., San Diego, CA 92123