Upcoming Red Cross Blood Drives In San Diego Area

SAN DIEGO, CA — Blood donations typically wane in the warmer months. The Red Cross and other organizations are working hard to shore up the nation's reserves.

Blood donations are also down in part because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Red Cross blood drives follow coronavirus safety protocols including temperature screening, social distancing and face coverings for donors and staff.

Here are the Red Cross blood drives coming up in the San Diego area in the next few weeks. You can search for additional Red Cross blood drives from a wider area here.

• 5/6/2021: 10:45 a.m. - 5:15 p.m., Kearny Mesa Blood Donation Center, 4229 Ponderosa Ave., Suite C (San Diego)
• 5/7/2021: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., Lawrence Family JCC, 4126 Executive Drive (La Jolla)
• 5/7/2021: 8:15 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Kearny Mesa Blood Donation Center, 4229 Ponderosa Ave., Suite C (San Diego)
• 5/8/2021: 7:45 a.m. - 3 p.m., Kearny Mesa Blood Donation Center, 4229 Ponderosa Ave., Suite C (San Diego)
• 5/9/2021: 7:45 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Kearny Mesa Blood Donation Center, 4229 Ponderosa Ave., Suite C (San Diego)
• 5/10/2021: 12:15 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., Kearny Mesa Blood Donation Center, 4229 Ponderosa Ave., Suite C (San Diego)
• 5/11/2021: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., Residence Inn, 8901 Gilman Drive (La Jolla)
• 5/11/2021: 12:15 p.m. - 7:15 p.m., Kearny Mesa Blood Donation Center, 4229 Ponderosa Ave., Suite C (San Diego)
• 5/12/2021: 12:15 p.m. - 6:45 p.m., Kearny Mesa Blood Donation Center, 4229 Ponderosa Ave., Suite C (San Diego)
• 5/13/2021: 10:45 a.m. - 5:15 p.m., Kearny Mesa Blood Donation Center, 4229 Ponderosa Ave., Suite C (San Diego)
• 5/13/2021: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., First Baptist Church of SD, 5055 Governor Drive (San Diego)
• 5/14/2021: 8:15 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Kearny Mesa Blood Donation Center, 4229 Ponderosa Ave., Suite C (San Diego)
• 5/14/2021: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., The US Grant, 326 Broadway (San Diego)
• 5/15/2021: 7:45 a.m. - 3 p.m., Kearny Mesa Blood Donation Center, 4229 Ponderosa Ave., Suite C (San Diego)
• 5/16/2021: 7:45 a.m. - 2:45 p.m., Kearny Mesa Blood Donation Center, 4229 Ponderosa Ave., Suite C (San Diego)
• 5/17/2021: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Toby Wells YMCA, 5105 Overland Ave (San Diego)
• 5/17/2021: 12:15 p.m. - 7:15 p.m., Kearny Mesa Blood Donation Center, 4229 Ponderosa Ave., Suite C (San Diego)
• 5/18/2021: 12:15 p.m. - 6:15 p.m., Kearny Mesa Blood Donation Center, 4229 Ponderosa Ave., Suite C (San Diego)
• 5/19/2021: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., La Quinta Inn Suites by Wyndham SeaWorld Zoo, 641 Camino Del Rio S (San Diego)
• 5/19/2021: 12:15 p.m. - 6:45 p.m., Kearny Mesa Blood Donation Center, 4229 Ponderosa Ave., Suite C (San Diego)
• 5/20/2021: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Torrey Pines Church, 8320 La Jolla Scenic Dr N (La Jolla)
• 5/20/2021: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Pechanga Arena, 3500 Sports Arena Blvd (San Diego)
• 5/20/2021: 10:45 a.m. - 5:45 p.m., Kearny Mesa Blood Donation Center, 4229 Ponderosa Ave., Suite C (San Diego)
• 5/21/2021: 8:15 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Kearny Mesa Blood Donation Center, 4229 Ponderosa Ave., Suite C (San Diego)
• 5/22/2021: 7:45 a.m. - 1:45 p.m., Kearny Mesa Blood Donation Center, 4229 Ponderosa Ave., Suite C (San Diego)
• 5/23/2021: 7:45 a.m. - 1:45 p.m., Kearny Mesa Blood Donation Center, 4229 Ponderosa Ave., Suite C (San Diego)
• 5/24/2021: 12:15 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., Kearny Mesa Blood Donation Center, 4229 Ponderosa Ave., Suite C (San Diego)
• 5/25/2021: 12:15 p.m. - 6:15 p.m., Kearny Mesa Blood Donation Center, 4229 Ponderosa Ave., Suite C (San Diego)
• 5/26/2021: 12:15 p.m. - 6:45 p.m., Kearny Mesa Blood Donation Center, 4229 Ponderosa Ave., Suite C (San Diego)

Editor's note: This list was automatically generated using data compiled by the American Red Cross. The local blood drives included in the list are limited to those at the time the Red Cross data was pulled. Please visit RedCrossBlood.org for the most current listing of drives. Please report any errors or other feedback to content@patch.com. Know of another blood drive coming up in your area? You can add it to the Patch calendar using this form.

People who have received a coronavirus vaccine can donate blood so long as they are symptom-free, feeling well and can provide the vaccine manufacturer's name, according to the American Red Cross. There is no waiting period after getting a vaccine dose.

All blood types are needed, especially type O, to refuel the country’s blood stockpile for the spring and summer.

In most states, donors need to be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in generally good health; some states allow 16-year-olds to donate with parental consent. Donors 18 years old and younger need to meet certain height and weight requirements.

People who donate blood, platelets or plasma in May through the Red Cross will be automatically entered for a chance to win a travel trailer camper that sleeps five from Suburban Propane. Anyone who donates through May 15 will receive a $5 Amazon gift card by email courtesy of Suburban Propane.

Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive. Appointments can be made via the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, online or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS.