Red Cross Declares National Blood Crisis, Urges La Jolla Residents To Donate

LA JOLLA, CA — La Jolla residents are being urged this week to donate blood after the American Red Cross declared a national blood crisis for only the second time in its history, citing a sharp decline in summer donations that has left supplies critically low.

The Red Cross said summer blood donations have fallen to their lowest level in four years, and donations are still not keeping pace with hospital demand despite thousands of additional donors responding since the crisis was first announced earlier this month.

All blood types are needed, but officials said the shortage is most severe for type O blood. The organization has started limiting distributions of type O blood products to hospitals, and its supply of type O-positive blood has dropped below a one-day inventory.

The Red Cross attributed the shortage to extreme heat, poor air quality and widespread foodborne illnesses that have reduced donor turnout this summer.

"This summer has brought a number of unique challenges that have placed additional strain on our blood supply, creating growing concerns for hospitals and the patients who rely on lifesaving transfusions," said Paul Sullivan, senior vice president of donor services.

As an incentive, donors who give blood through July 31 will receive a Fandango movie ticket by email worth up to $15. Those who donate Aug. 1-31 will receive a $20 Amazon gift card by email, according to the organization.

The Red Cross has planned blood drives across the county, including in La Jolla. See a list of upcoming San Diego area blood drives below.

Bonita

• 8/14/2026: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Bonita - Sunnyside Library, 4375 Bonita Road

Carlsbad

• 8/4/2026: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., North Coast Church Carlsbad Campus, 2310 Camino Vida Roble, #104
• 8/7/2026: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Shoppes at Carlsbad, 2525 El Camino Real
• 8/10/2026: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., Shoppes at Carlsbad, 2525 El Camino Real
• 8/12/2026: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Shoppes at Carlsbad, 2525 El Camino Real

Chula Vista

• 8/3/2026: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Chula Vista Elks Lodge, 901 Elks Lane
• 8/9/2026: 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Springhill Suites by Marriott Chula Vista/Eastlake, 870 District Place

Encinitas

• 8/5/2026: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., San Dieguito United Methodist Church, 170 Calle Magdalena

Escondido

• 8/10/2026: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., North County Mall, 272 E. Via Rancho Parkway

Fallbrook

• 8/4/2026: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., Fallbrook Library, 124 South Mission Road

La Jolla

• 8/6/2026: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Shiley Fitness Center, 10820 N Torrey Pines Road

Oceanside

• 8/6/2026: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Oceanside Masonic Center, 511 Eucalyptus
• 8/10/2026: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., Oceanside Masonic Center, 511 Eucalyptus
• 8/11/2026: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Oceanside First Presbyterian Church, 2001 El Camino Real
• 8/12/2026: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Eternal Hills Memorial Park Chapel, 1999 El Camino Real
• 8/14/2026: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., North County LGBTQ Resource Center, 1919 Apple St.

San Diego

• Red Cross Kearny Mesa Blood Donation Center, 4229 Ponderosa Ave., Suite C (See RedCrossBlood.org for hours.)
• 7/31/2026: 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Mira Mesa Library, 8405 New Salem St.
• 7/31/2026: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., Mission Hills - Hillcrest / Knox Library, 215 W Washington St.
• 8/2/2026: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., New Hope Seventh-day Adventist Church, 2420 52nd St.
• 8/3/2026: 8 a.m. - 6 p.m., Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina, 1441 Quivira Road
• 8/4/2026: 11:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Pacific Highlands Ranch Library, 12911 Pacific Place
• 8/5/2026: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Grace Church, 2716 Madison Ave.
• 8/5/2026: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Carmel Mountain Ranch Library, 12095 World Trade Drive
• 8/7/2026: 10:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Serra Mesa-Kearny Mesa Library, 9005 Aero Drive
• 8/13/2026: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., The Church at Rancho Bernardo, 11740 Bernardo Plaza Court
• 8/13/2026: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., The Research Park at Torrey Pines, 10835 Road to the Cure

San Marcos

• 8/6/2026: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Rock Church San Marcos, 1370 W San Marcos Blvd.
• 8/11/2026: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., The Lodge at Lake San Marcos, 1105 La Bonita Drive
• 8/12/2026: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Mission Hills Church, 400 Mission Hills Court

Santee

• 7/30/2026: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Summit Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 8778 Cottonwood 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.