Serious Blood Shortage: Donate Blood In Santee For Chance To Win Super Bowl Tickets

SANTEE, CA — Facing what it called a serious blood shortage, the American Red Cross announced a blood drive Tuesday in which donors have a chance to win a trip to this year's Super Bowl.

Requests from hospitals exceed the available blood supply, leading to about a 35% drawdown of blood products in the past month, according to the Red Cross. The shortage is especially serious for platelets, types O, A negative and B negative blood.

"Winter always puts pressure on the blood supply, and this year widespread flu and rough weather are making it even tougher," said Paul Sullivan, senior vice president of Red Cross donor services. "If you're able, now's a great time to make and keep blood donation appointments, during National Blood Donor Month. Every donation can be a lifeline for a patient who isn't able to hold off on critical care."

Anyone who donates through Jan. 25 will be automatically entered for a chance to win a trip for two to Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara. The winner and a guest will receive two tickets to the game, as well as access to in-stadium pregame activities, tickets to the official Super Bowl Experience, round-trip airfare, three-night hotel accommodations and a $1,000 gift card for expenses.

Donors who give blood between Jan. 26 and Feb. 28 will receive a $20 e-gift card.

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

Cardiff

• 1/26/2026: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Encinitas Elks Lodge 2243, 1393 Windsor Road

Carlsbad

• 1/20/2026: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Bermuda Club Carlsbad, 5840 El Camino Real
• 1/23/2026: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Shoppes at Carlsbad, 2525 El Camino Real
• 1/27/2026: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., North Coast Church Carlsbad Campus, 2310 Camino Vida Roble, #104

Chula Vista

• 1/21/2026: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Eastlake Church, 2355 Otay Lakes Road
• 1/26/2026: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Chula Vista Elks Lodge, 901 Elks Lane
• 2/2/2026: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Chula Vista Elks Lodge, 901 Elks Lane

Encinitas

• 1/30/2026: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Encinitas Library, 540 Cornish Drive

Escondido

• 1/20/2026: 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Escondido Charter High School, 1868 E Valley Parkway
• 1/25/2026: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., North County Mall, 272 E. Via Rancho Parkway
• 2/1/2026: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., North County Mall, 272 E. Via Rancho Parkway

Fallbrook

• 2/3/2026: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., Fallbrook Library, 124 South Mission Road

La Jolla

• 1/26/2026: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., La Jolla / Riford Library, 7555 Draper Ave.
• 1/28/2026: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., UCSD Price Center, 9500 Gillman Drive

Oceanside

• 1/22/2026: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Oceanside, 3501 Seagate Way
• 1/22/2026: 8 a.m. - 3 p.m., Oceanside Masonic Center, 511 Eucalyptus

Ramona

• 1/27/2026: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., Ramona High School, 1401 Hanson Lane

San Diego

• Red Cross Kearny Mesa Blood Donation Center, 4229 Ponderosa Ave., Suite C (See RedCrossBlood.org for hours.)
• 1/20/2026: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Pacific Highlands Ranch Library, 12911 Pacific Place
• 1/27/2026: 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., National University, 9388 Lightwave
• 1/29/2026: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., VA San Diego Healthcare System, 3350 La Jolla Village Drive
• 2/3/2026: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., BioMed Realty, 4570 Executive Drive

Santee

• 1/29/2026: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Summit Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 8778 Cottonwood Ave.

Vista

• 1/21/2026: 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.