April is a season of renewal—and a time to celebrate the people who strengthen our community through generosity and service. During Volunteer Appreciation Month, we’re especially grateful for the volunteers who give their time and energy to support San Diego Blood Bank’s life-saving mission.
Their dedication enhances the donor experience, extends our reach, and makes it possible to serve patients across our region. This spring, we’re reflecting on the many ways people come together to make a difference—from volunteers who welcome and support donors, to the donors themselves whose generosity helps ensure life-saving care is available when it’s needed most.
Thank you for being a part of this collective effort to bring hope and care to our community.
With appreciation,
Your Blood Bank Family
Blood usage is unusually high and we need your donation.
Blood Types Especially Needed: A-, A+, B-, O-, O+
Schedule Your Donation Today!
(619) 400-8251 | Find a Donor Center | Find a Blood Drive
News
Celebrating Volunteer Appreciation Month
Behind every life saved is a chain of compassion—and our volunteers are an essential link. During Volunteer Appreciation Month, we are incredibly grateful for the time, care, and heart our volunteers give to support our donors and the mission. Their generosity makes a profound difference in the lives of the patients we serve.
This year, one of our dedicated volunteers, Diane Golden, was honored as the recipient of ABC’s Larry Frederick Award for her outstanding service and commitment to SDBB.
Diane first stepped in to help during a critical time in 2020, when volunteer support was especially needed during the pandemic, and she has been making an impact ever since. Since then, she has supported donor centers and community blood drives across the region with remarkable consistency, compassion, and enthusiasm.
Diane, pictured with fellow volunteers Bill and Teri, help direct donors at the Padres drive.
Impacting Lives Globally
In March, a cord blood unit collected by San Diego Blood Bank traveled across the globe to support a patient undergoing treatment for acute myeloid leukemia (AML)—providing a stem cell transplant at a critical moment in their care.
This milestone reflects the strength of our Cord Blood Program and the work behind every unit—from collection to cryopreservation—ensuring it is ready when patients need it most.
Collected at birth, cord blood contains stem cells that can rebuild a patient’s blood and immune system after intensive treatment. Because it doesn’t require as close a match as bone marrow, it offers a transplant option for patients who might otherwise have none.
As a public cord bank, San Diego Blood Bank makes these units available through national and international registries, connecting patients worldwide with life-saving care.
WonderCon Donors Showed Up in a Big Way
This year’s WonderCon blood drive is a powerful reminder of what can happen when a community comes together to help others. Over three days in Anaheim, donors gave 715 units, surpassing last year’s already record-setting 504 units.
Each of those donations represents an opportunity to help patients in need—from those facing emergencies and surgeries to those receiving ongoing treatment.
We’re deepy grateful to every donor who rolled up their sleeve at WonderCon and helped make this year’s drive such a meaningful success. Their generosity will reach far into the lives of patients and families in our community.
Keep our Mission in Motion
Help Fund a New Bloodmobile for Our Community
Bloodmobiles bring blood donation opportunities into the heart of our community—making it easier for people like you to give. Nearly half of the blood we collect comes from these mobile drives.
Your support helps keep this lifeline moving—so more patients receive care when every moment counts.
Give today. Visit sandiegobloodbank.org/bloodmobile or call (619) 400-8214 for more information.
Local blood recipient Kamila congratulates blood donor Liza on her 10th gallon milestone at the Padres blood drive.
Mark Your Calendar
PROMOTION: SAN DIEGO ONLY – MAY 1 – 31, 2026
Save Lives, Padres Style—Two Giving Choices
In May, there are two ways to make a life-saving impact. Donate blood at our Padres Summer Blood Drive on May 5th or at any San Diego Blood Bank blood drive or donor center in San Diego County from May 1-31, and you’ll receive a 2026 Padres Summer Blood Drive UPF 50 Sun Shirt*.
PADRES SUMMER BLOOD DRIVE MAY 5th | 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Donate blood at Gallagher Square at Petco Park during our annual summer blood drive. Be part of the action—receive two home game tickets, Padres giveaways, and help patients across San Diego County!
Reserve your seat today at:
sandiegobloodbank.org/padres-blood-drive
PITCH IN FOR LOCAL PATIENTS | ALL MONTH LONG | MAY 1-31
Can’t make it to Petco Park? You can still be part of the Padres Summer Blood Drive when you donate at any San Diego Blood Bank blood drive or donor center in San Diego County from May 1-31, 2026.
Schedule your appointment today:
sandiegobloodbank.org/padres
PROMOTION: SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ONLY – MAY 1 – 31, 2026
Extended Due to Popular Demand!
SAVE THE DATE: MAY 4, 2026
May the 4th Be With You...and Those You Help
MAY THE 4th BLOOD DRIVE
10:00 am – 4:00 pm | Comic-Con Museum® Balboa Park
Be a force for good when you donate blood at our annual May the 4th blood drive. All donors get a complimentary Comic-Con Museum ticket and photo opportunities will be available with cosplay characters.
