Encinitas Blood Donors Needed After Red Cross Supplies Dwindle

ENCINITAS, CA — The American Red Cross asked for the public's help this week to replenish its blood supply after winter storms impacted donations and led to a severe shortage.

"Some parts of the nation are still clearing snow, but the threat of severe spring weather is already growing," a statement from the organization said. "Now is the time to book a blood or platelet donation appointment to help prevent any future disruption to patient care."

The Red Cross will perform A1C testing on successful blood, platelet and plasma donations made in March. Anyone who donates blood, platelets or plasma will also receive a $15 Amazon gift card by email.

The Red Cross has planned blood drives across San Diego County, including in Encinitas. See a list of upcoming San Diego area blood drives below.

Cardiff

• 3/23/2026: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Encinitas Elks Lodge 2243, 1393 Windsor Road

Cardiff by the Sea

• 3/19/2026: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1444 Lake Drive

Carlsbad

• 3/13/2026: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Shoppes at Carlsbad, 2525 El Camino Real
• 3/25/2026: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., City of Carlsbad Safety Training Center, 5750 Orion St.

Chula Vista

• 3/16/2026: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Chula Vista Elks Lodge, 901 Elks Lane
• 3/18/2026: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Eastlake Church, 990 Lane Ave.
• 3/20/2026: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., Maac Community Charter School, 1385 Third Ave.

El Cajon

• 3/30/2026: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., El Cajon Library, 201 E Douglas Ave.

Encinitas

• 3/12/2026: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., Scripps Memorial Hospital 310 Building, 354 Santa Fe Drive
• 3/27/2026: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Encinitas Library, 540 Cornish Drive

Escondido

• 3/15/2026: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., North County Mall, 272 E. Via Rancho Parkway
• 3/20/2026: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Escondido Chamber of Commerce, 720 N Broadway
• 3/26/2026: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., San Diego County Fire/CAL FIRE Station 14, 2323 Felicita Road

Fallbrook

• 3/16/2026: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Christ the King Lutheran Church, 1620 S Stage Coach Lane

La Jolla

• 3/24/2026: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Torrey Pines Church, 8320 La Jolla Scenic Drive N
• 3/24/2026: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Scripps Memorial Hospital Schaetzel Center, 9890 Genesee Ave.

La Mesa

• 3/16/2026: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., La Mesa Community Center, 4975 Memorial Drive

National City

• 3/11/2026: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., San Diego Academy, 2800 E 4th St.

Oceanside

• 3/18/2026: 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., El Camino High School, 400 Rancho Del Oro
• 3/19/2026: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Oceanside Masonic Center, 511 Eucalyptus
• 3/31/2026: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., VA San Diego Healthcare Oceanside, 1300 Rancho Del Oro Drive

Poway

• 3/26/2026: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Poway Branch Library, 13137 Poway Road

San Diego

• Red Cross Kearny Mesa Blood Donation Center, 4229 Ponderosa Ave., Suite C (See RedCrossBlood.org for hours.)
• 3/11/2026: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Carmel Mountain Ranch Library, 12095 World Trade Drive
• 3/13/2026: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., San Diego Mission Bay Resort, 1775 E Mission Bay Drive
• 3/17/2026: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Autobahn Therapeutics, 9880 Campus Point Drive, Suite 370
• 3/22/2026: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., The San Diego LGBT Community Center, 3909 Centre St.
• 3/23/2026: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., University Center, 5998 Alcala Park Way
• 3/23/2026: 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Cathedral Catholic High School, 5555 Del Mar Heights Road
• 3/25/2026: 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., National University, 9388 Lightwave
• 3/26/2026: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Bayshire Torrey Pines Senior Living, 13101 Hartfield Ave.
• 3/29/2026: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., San Diego Harley-Davidson Morena, 4645 Morena Blvd.
• 3/30/2026: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., Rancho Bernardo Library, 17110 Bernardo Center Drive
• 3/30/2026: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Liberty Station Conference Center, 2600 Laning Road
• 3/31/2026: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., VA Kearny Mesa, 8875 Aero Drive

San Marcos

• 3/31/2026: 12:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., MARC, 1045 Armorlite Drive

Spring Valley

• 3/19/2026: 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Mt Miguel High School, 8585 Blossom Lane

Vista

• 3/18/2026: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Vista Library, 700 Eucalyptus Ave.

What To Know About Giving Blood

All blood types are needed. Download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) for more information or to make an appointment.

A blood donor card or driver's license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in.

Individuals who are 17 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 and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.