Donate Blood And Platelets Near La Mesa This Flu Season

LA MESA, CA — With flu season here, the American Red Cross is urging blood and platelet donors to give now to ensure a strong blood supply for patients in need in San Diego County.

"When seasonal illnesses increase, the number of healthy donors tends to decrease, leaving the Red Cross blood supply vulnerable to a potential shortage over the holidays," the organization said in a news release. "Paired with busy holiday schedules, seasonal illnesses may make it harder to collect the blood hospital patients require this winter."

Donors, especially people with type O blood and those giving platelets, can help bolster the blood supply by making an appointment to donate in the coming weeks, according to the Red Cross.

Anyone who donates through Nov. 22 will get a $10 e-gift card to a merchant of choice. Anyone who donates over Thanksgiving, Nov. 23-27, will receive a Red Cross beanie, while supplies last. Anyone who donates Nov. 28-Dec. 15 will receive a $10 Amazon.com gift card.

Red Cross blood drives are taking place across the county, including near La Mesa. See a list of upcoming blood drives below. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at a blood drive.

Blood Donation Opportunities

Cardiff

• 11/28/2022: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., Encinitas Elks Lodge 2243, 1393 Windsor Road
• 11/30/2022: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1444 Lake Drive

Carlsbad

• 11/23/2022: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Shoppes at Carlsbad, 2525 El Camino Real
• 11/29/2022: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., North Coast Church Carlsbad Campus, 2310 Camino Vida Roble, #104

Chula Vista

• 11/22/2022: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Eastlake Community Church, 990 Lane Ave.

El Cajon

• 11/22/2022: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Parkway Plaza, 415 Parkway Plaza

Encinitas

• 11/22/2022: 11 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., Encinitas Library, 540 Cornish Drive
• 11/29/2022: 10:30 a.m. - 5 p.m., Best Buy, 1046 N. El Camino Real

Escondido

• 11/27/2022: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Westfield North County, 272 E. Via Rancho Parkway
• 11/28/2022: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Escondido East Valley Community Center, 2245 East Valley Parkway
• 11/29/2022: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Escondido Police Department, 1163 N. Centre City Parkway

Fallbrook

• 11/30/2022: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Christ the King Lutheran Church, 1620 S Stage Coach Lane

La Jolla

• 11/23/2022: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Torrey Pines Church, 8320 La Jolla Scenic Drive North

Oceanside

• 11/23/2022: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., Oceanside Masonic Center, 511 Eucalyptus

San Diego

• 11/21/2022: 12:15 p.m. - 7:15 p.m., Kearny Mesa Blood Donation Center, 4229 Ponderosa Ave., Suite C
• 11/22/2022: 12:15 p.m. - 7:15 p.m., Kearny Mesa Blood Donation Center, 4229 Ponderosa Ave., Suite C
• 11/23/2022: 12:15 p.m. - 7:15 p.m., Kearny Mesa Blood Donation Center, 4229 Ponderosa Ave., Suite C
• 11/25/2022: 8:15 a.m. - 3:15 p.m., Kearny Mesa Blood Donation Center, 4229 Ponderosa Ave., Suite C
• 11/26/2022: 7:45 a.m. - 2:45 p.m., Kearny Mesa Blood Donation Center, 4229 Ponderosa Ave., Suite C
• 11/27/2022: 7:45 a.m. - 2:45 p.m., Kearny Mesa Blood Donation Center, 4229 Ponderosa Ave., Suite C
• 11/27/2022: 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m., Life Bridge Church, 17645 West Bernardo Drive
• 11/28/2022: 12:15 p.m. - 7:15 p.m., Kearny Mesa Blood Donation Center, 4229 Ponderosa Ave., Suite C
• 11/29/2022: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Gossip Grill, 1220 University Ave.
• 11/29/2022: 12:15 p.m. - 7:15 p.m., Kearny Mesa Blood Donation Center, 4229 Ponderosa Ave., Suite C
• 11/30/2022: 10:30 a.m. - 5 p.m., 4S Ranch Branch Library, 10433 Reserve Drive
• 11/30/2022: 12:15 p.m. - 7:15 p.m., Kearny Mesa Blood Donation Center, 4229 Ponderosa Ave., Suite C

San Marcos

• 11/21/2022: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., The Lodge at Lake San Marcos, 1105 La Bonita Drive
• 11/23/2022: 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Walmart, 732 Center Drive

Santee

• 11/21/2022: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Santee United Methodist Church, 8964 Magnolia Ave.

Vista

• 11/22/2022: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Ayres Hotel, 2100 Radiance Way
• 11/30/2022: 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Avalon, 701 Breeze Hill Road

What To Know About Giving Blood

All blood types are needed. Interested in donating? 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.

Donors can save time by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive