SAN DIEGO COUNTY, Calif. — The need for blood is critical, especially during the holidays. And every donation has the power to save lives.
That’s why CBS 8 and The CW San Diego are partners with the San Diego Blood Bank.
"I can't think of a better thing to do for humanity, I'm retired, it truly is the gift of life," said San Diego Blood Bank donor, Chris Ward.
Gerral and Anne David are retired and make it a routine to donate every eight weeks.
"I am just shy of 17 gallons of whole blood donation in my life," said Anne. "We make a team, so we are both retired from full-time employment and we feel giving blood is something we can do and recognizing how important it is for those who need it."
The pandemic has caused a record blood supply shortage across the nation and at the San Diego Blood Bank.
"One to two day supply for most of your blood types so there is a need across the board," said Interim San Diego Blood Bank CEO, Doug Morton.
Compounding the problem, donations often drop after the holidays and then you have companies, churches and schools who are not hosting their blood drives like they used to.
"We just had a blood drive cancel on Monday that was supposed to bring in 40 units, we've seen that the last couple of years," said Morton.
During the pandemic children like Karina Willis who is fighting cancer had to delay a blood transfusion because there wasn't enough blood supply.
CBS News 8 heard the call to action and stepped up to encourage donors to roll up their sleeves.
The San Diego Blood Bank is adhering to COVID safety protocols.
"COVID should not be a reason to not come," said David.
And companies can still give back by hosting a virtual drive.
"Their staff can come into any donor center, any mobile and give the code for that company and we still recognize the company for supporting blood donation," said Morton.
All of the donations support a life.
"After you've given it's quite a rush. I don't know who it is going to but I know I made someone's day better and saved their life," said Ward.
Join us at any of the Blood Bank locations on Wednesday, January 5th for a County-wide blood drive. Start the new year off right, by serving our Community.
Donor Centers
GATEWAY DONOR CENTER
3636 Gateway Center Avenue, Suite 100, San Diego, CA 92102
EAST COUNTY DONOR CENTER
776 Arnele Avenue, El Cajon, CA 92020
NORTH COUNTY DONOR CENTER
358 West El Norte Parkway, Suite J, Escondido, CA 92026
SABRE SPRINGS DONOR CENTER
12640 Sabre Springs Parkway, Suite 109, San Diego, CA 92128
CARMEL VALLEY DONOR CENTER
Behind Marketplace Grille in Piazza Carmel Shopping Center
3880 Valley Center Drive, Suite 209 & 210, San Diego, CA 92130
COASTAL DONOR CENTER
1910 Via Centre, Vista, CA 92081
LIBERTY STATION DONOR CENTER
Located across from the fountain and in between Yoga Six and Ikiru Sushi.
2850 Womble Rd., Suite 30C-101B, San Diego, CA 92106
CHULA VISTA TERRA NOVA LOCATION
Inside Terra Nova Plaza next to Marshalls
300 East H St., Suite 1001, Chula Vista, CA 91910
IRVINE BUSINESS DISTRICT LOCATION
7 Corporate Park, Suite 130, Irvine, CA 92606
Go to www.sandiegobloodbank.org to learn more.