Blood Shortage Continues: Red Cross Needs Donors In East County

SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CA — The American Red Cross is urging people to donate blood and platelets as a blood shortage continues across the country.

The Red Cross has been distributing about 12 percent more blood products to hospitals across the U.S. compared to this time last year, according to the not-for-profit organization.

"The Red Cross needs to collect more than 1,000 additional blood donations each day to meet the current hospital demand and end the severe blood shortage," a Red Cross news release said. "Donors of all blood types are needed, especially type O, which stands at just a one-day supply right now."

Blood drives are being held across San Diego County, including in East County. See a list of upcoming blood drives below.

Individuals who donate through Aug. 15 will be automatically entered for a chance to win a VIP trip for two to the sold-out 2021 Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival. Those who donate throughout August will also receive a free four-month subscription offer to Apple Music via email (new subscribers only).

Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at a blood drive. Fully vaccinated individuals, including staff and donors, no longer need to wear masks or socially distance, according to the Red Cross. Unvaccinated individuals continue to be required to wear masks and socially distance.

Upcoming blood drives in San Diego County

Cardiff by the Sea

• 8/11/2021: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1444 Lake Drive

Chula Vista

• 8/9/2021: 11:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., Chula Vista Center, 555 Broadway, Suite 138
• 8/10/2021: 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m., South Bay Family YMCA, 1201 Paseo Magda

Coronado

• 8/11/2021: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Coronado Island Marriott Resort & Spa, 2000 2nd St.

Escondido

• 8/11/2021: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., North Coast Church San Marcos/Escondido, 1451 Montiel Road
• 8/14/2021: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Escondido East Valley Community Center, 2245 East Valley Parkway

La Jolla

• 8/10/2021: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., Residence Inn, 8901 Gilman Drive

Oceanside

• 8/9/2021: 8 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., YMCA, 4701 Mesa Drive
• 8/12/2021: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Oceanside Masonic Center, 511 Eucalyptus
• 8/12/2021: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Oceanside First Presbyterian Church, 2001 El Camino Real

San Diego

• Kearny Mesa Blood Donation Center, 4229 Ponderosa Ave., Suite C (See RedCrossBlood.org for hours)
• 8/10/2021: 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Delta Air Lines, 3835 N Harbor Drive, Terminal 2

San Marcos

• 8/13/2021: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., The Lodge at Lake San Marcos, 1105 La Bonita Drive

Spring Valley

• 8/11/2021: 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m., McGrath YMCA, 12006 Campo 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 at their next donation 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.