Celebrating World Blood Donor Day and 75 Years of Saving Lives Together
Honoring Every Donor, Every Drop: World Blood Donor Day 2025
Each year on June 14, the world comes together to recognize World Blood Donor Day — a time to raise awareness about the life-saving power of blood donations and thank those who give from the heart.
This year is especially meaningful for San Diego Blood Bank as we celebrate our 75th Anniversary, honoring all the heroes who have stepped up to save lives since 1950.
“World Blood Donor Day gives us an opportunity to thank our many local donors who give the gift of life and to encourage others to start donating.”
— Douglas Morton, CEO, San Diego Blood Bank
Whether you donate whole blood, double red blood cells, platelets, plasma, or research, every donation makes a profound difference — from trauma care to cancer treatments and beyond.
Thank you for continuing to give blood. Your generosity brings hope to patients, families, and communities when it’s needed most.
Blood Supply Needs: We Urgently Need A-, B-, O-, and O+ Donors!
Blood donations often slow down in the summer, but patient needs don’t.
Right now, we are in need of A-negative, B-negative, O-negative, and O-positive blood types. If you’re healthy and eligible, please make time to donate — and bring a friend to double your impact.
We’re also calling on donors to give over the July 4th weekend, when emergency room visits and accidents tend to surge due to increased travel, fireworks, and outdoor activities. Your donation could be life-saving when hospitals need it most.
Walk-ins are always welcome, but appointments help us plan ahead and meet urgent needs.
Call (619) 400-8251 or schedule online.
Blood is needed over the holiday weekend. Help ensure blood is on the shelves to save lives!
Find a Donor Center | Find a Blood Drive
Gateway Donor Center (7:00 am–5:00 pm) and Chula Vista Donor Center (8:00 am–4:00 pm) will be open on July 4. All other locations will be closed in observance of the holiday.
June Observances and Upcoming Holiday Hours
- Pride Month
June is LGBTQ+ Pride Month, a time to honor the history, resilience, and contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals. At SDBB, we celebrate the diversity of our staff, donors, and community and continue to work toward equitable access to healthcare and blood donation for all. Men’s Health Month
June is Men’s Health Month — a time to raise awareness about preventative care and wellness for men and boys. Regular blood donation supports community health and offers a simple way to stay connected to your own health through blood pressure and hemoglobin checks. Join us in promoting men’s health by donating and encouraging others to do the same.- World Blood Donor Day – June 14
An extra special day for SDBB! This global observance celebrates voluntary blood donors around the world and raises awareness of the ongoing need for safe blood and blood products. It’s the perfect time to reflect on the impact blood donors make—every single day. We’re grateful to all who make our life-saving mission possible. - Juneteenth – June 19
Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and is a time for reflection, education, and celebration of Black freedom and culture. As we honor this day, we reaffirm our commitment to equity, inclusion, and community partnership. - World Sickle Cell Day – June 19
World Sickle Cell Day raises awareness of sickle cell disease, a genetic blood disorder that primarily affects people of African descent. More than 100,000 people in the U.S. live with SCD, and regular blood transfusions are often critical to their care. At SDBB, we’re committed to supporting patients with SCD by building a strong, diverse blood donor community. - Independence Day – July 4
Independence Day is a time to celebrate freedom, community, and the spirit of service. At San Diego Blood Bank, we’re reminded that donating blood is a powerful way to support others and honor those values. As you plan your holiday, please note that only Gateway Donor Center (7:00 am–5:00 pm) and Chula Vista Donor Center (8:00 am–4:00 pm) will be open on July 4. All other locations will be closed in observance of the holiday.
Padres Summer Blood Drive Hits a Home Run
On May 22, hundreds of San Diegans came together at Gallagher Square in Petco Park for the 9th Annual Padres Summer Blood Drive. Thanks to you, we collected over 527 pints of blood — enough to potentially save up to 1,581 lives across Southern California!
From game tickets and exclusive T-shirts to the support of Tom Seidler, the Padres’ EVP of Community and International Impact, this event brought hope, heart, and high impact to center field.
“We are grateful to the many San Diegans who showed up today. Their generous contribution will help the San Diego Blood Bank provide life-saving resources for thousands in need.” — Tom Seidler, EVP of Community & International Impact, San Diego Padres
Thank you for making this event a grand slam for community health!
Celebrating Our Team Survivor Members
On May 31, we had the honor of celebrating Team Survivor, our community of local patient and recipient ambassadors whose lives have been directly impacted by blood donation.
At a heartfelt Team Survivor Summer Picnic at SeaWorld San Diego, we recognized their strength, stories, and dedication. Led by Claudine Van Gonka and CEO Douglas Morton, the event was a day of reflection, gratitude, and community.
“Team Survivor is more than a program — it’s a family defined by courage and compassion,” shared Claudine. Douglas added “Each survivor’s story brings our mission to life and motivates donors by showing the real impact of their gift.”
To help appreciate these brave ambassadors for the inspiring role they play in the SDBB community, many of our Guardians Circle members donated back rewards toward providing Team Survivor Summer Picnic Cooler Bags!
We are deeply thankful to these brave individuals for serving as ambassadors of hope. Their voices inspire our staff, volunteers, and donors to keep showing up, one donation at a time.
Guardians Circle Update: New Milestone Gifts Revealed
As part of our 75th Anniversary Celebration, Guardians Circle members who reach milestone donations in 2025 are eligible for exclusive Guardians Circle rewards. This month, we launched three brand-new appreciation gifts:
Not sure how close you are to your next milestone?
Contact donorservices@sandiegobloodbank.org to check your donor status.
Thank you to all our Guardians for your extraordinary commitment to saving lives!
(Not yet a Guardians Circle Member? Click here to learn more and sign up!)
Philanthropy Spotlight: Our New Bloodmobile and Transport Vans Have Been 100% Funded!
Because of financial supporters and heroes like you, we reached our fundraising goal to purchase a new bloodmobile and new blood transport vehicles!
Your generosity is helping ensure a reliable, efficient, and life-saving blood supply across our community.
But our work doesn’t stop here. Every day, we rely on ongoing financial support to respond to urgent needs, expand our services, and continue saving lives.
Learn more about supporting our mission through financial giving →
Last Chance: Padres Summer Blood Drive T-shirt Promo Ends June 30
There’s still time — but not much!
Donate at any San Diego County location before June 30, 2025 and receive a limited-edition Padres Summer Blood Drive T-shirt, while sizes and supplies last.
Don’t miss your chance to show your team spirit and save lives this summer.
Mark Your Calendar: July Promotions Ahead!
Exclusive 75th Anniversary Beach Hat for Donors
From July 1 – July 22, 2025, donors will receive a fun-in-the-sun 75th Anniversary Beach Hat, while supplies last!
Our Guardians Circle members who are not eligible from July 1 – July 22 will receive a special email offer for an opportunity to receive their beach hat.
REMINDER: Only Gateway & Chula Vista Donor Centers are Open on July 4th!
Comic-Con International’s 49th Robert A. Heinlein Blood Drive
The legendary 5-day blood drive returns to Comic-Con from July 23 – 27, 2025, with new FANTASTIC giveaways and an opportunity to be a real-life hero just next door to the convention.
Click here to learn more about the drive and see this year’s T-shirt →
IMPORTANT: This year, the blood drive will be at the Manchester Grand Hyatt on the FIRST FLOOR in GRAND HALL A.
PLEASE NOTE: All donor appreciation items are non-transferable, not redeemable for cash, and have no market value.
