Saving Lives Across Southern California Since 1950
This September marks San Diego Blood Bank’s 75th Anniversary, and we want to take a moment to thank you. For 75 years, donors like you have made it possible to provide blood to patients across Southern California—through everyday needs and during times of crisis. Your commitment has built the strong foundation we stand on today.
In this month’s newsletter, you’ll find stories of the people who fuel our mission and highlight your impact, updates on the blood types most needed right now, and details on anniversary promotions we’re excited to share with you. As fall begins and we move toward the end of the year, we’re grateful for the lifesaving difference you continue to make.
As we mark this milestone anniversary, we invite you to celebrate with us:
- Schedule your next donation or come on in and bring a friend to join you.
- Consider joining our Guardians Circle Donor Appreciation Program and earn exclusive 75th Anniversary Rewards for all 2025 donations.
- Keep an eye out for special opportunities to give as we head into the holiday season of giving.
Thank you for being part of this historic year with us—we couldn’t do it without you.
With heartfelt thanks,
Your Blood Bank Family
Blood Supply Needs
Blood Types O-, A-, B- are in high demand.
Blood & Platelets Needed
Blood donors of all types are needed. Help ensure blood is on the shelves to save lives. Find a Donor Center to donate platelets.
(619) 400-8251 | Find a Donor Center | Find a Blood Drive
News
Celebrating 75 Years, Countless Stories
San Diego Blood Bank is celebrating 75 years of lifesaving impact—and every step of that journey has been made possible by people like you. From visionary leaders to resilient patients and dedicated donors, our mission has always been defined by the people behind it.
In our anniversary blog, you’ll meet:
- Douglas Morton, CEO whose leadership has guided growth and innovation.
- Kamila, a patient whose strength and advocacy show the power of every donation.
- Candy, a donor, blood drive host, 2021 Fresenius Kabi National Blood Donation Hall of Fame inductee, and volunteer whose dedication has inspired hundreds of others to give.
These are just a few of the countless stories that shape our past and future.
PROMOTION: September 1 - 30, 2025
Last Chance to Score Your Ticket to SeaWorld Howl-O-Scream San Diego!
There’s still time to give and get your spooky pass. Donate blood through September 30 at any of our donor centers or blood drives! Don’t wait! Schedule your appointment now so you don’t miss out on this cool promotion.
*Tickets to SeaWorld® Howl-O-Scream® San Diego are available to presenting blood donors September 1–30, 2025, while supplies last. Howl-O-Scream is a separately ticketed event held after-hours inside SeaWorld on select nights Sept. 12 – Nov. 1, 2025. Vouchers are non-transferable, not redeemable for cash, not for resale and cannot be used as a General Admission Park Ticket to SeaWorld® San Diego. Click here for event details.
Mark Your Calendar
PROMOTION: OCTOBER 1 - 31, 2025
Get excited for our Spooktacular and Adorable October promotion—A Mickey Mouse Vampire T-shirt!
Donate Blood in October at any San Diego Blood Bank or Southern California Blood Bank donor center or blood drive and take home your exclusive Mickey Mouse Vampire T-shirt, while sizes and supplies last.
Find a Blood Drive or Donor Center & Schedule Your October Donation!
*Mickey Mouse Vampire Mickey T-shirts are available to presenting donors at any San Diego Blood Bank or Southern California Blood Bank location or blood drive from October 1 – 31, 2025, while sizes and supplies last. All donor appreciation items are non-transferable, not redeemable for cash, have no market value, and are not for resale.
Guardians Circle
Join Guardians Circle + Give Blood & Get Rewards & Special Opportunities
Guardians Circle is San Diego Blood Bank’s donor appreciation program.
When you join, you’re making the pledge to donate within 8 weeks of your eligibility date. Donating regularly keeps you in Member status, giving you exclusive access to earn fun rewards, raffle prizes valued up to $500, and other special opportunities.
Not in Guardians Circle Member status? Enroll in Guardians or come in to donate by Sept 29, to ensure you get your September Choice Rewards!
Join more than 13,660 heroes in this incredible group.
Guardians Circle Members Get Exclusive 75th Anniversary Rewards
This year, we’ve included Guardians Circle in our 75th Anniversary celebration by offering exclusive members-only rewards for giving 3, 5, 10, 16, and 20 times during 2025. Every donation counts toward your rewards! To date, 7,905 Guardians Circle members and counting have reached donation milestones in 2025 in celebration of our 75th Anniversary. Congratulations!
Learn more about GC75 Donation Milestone Rewards, including branded hats, fleece jackets, cooler totes (pictured), and more.
Guardians Circle Members
Thank you to our 13,665 Guardians who are committed to helping our community thrive!
Guardians Circle Donors Are Local Heroes: We are grateful for Guardians who give regularly to stay in member status. You are SUPER heroes! If you are not in member status, please Sign Up, or if your membership has expired, please donate to move back into member status and receive the below exclusive rewards.
Guardians Circle Members-Only Rewards
VAMPIRE MICKEY T-SHIRT
If you are in member status you don't need to wait to donate to get this cool T-shirt. Guardians who will not be eligible to donate during the October promotion will receive an email offer to claim a Mickey Mouse Vampire Mickey T-shirt (pictured) for pick up at one of our donor centers. Vouchers and pickup instructions will be emailed to those who claim their email offer.
Guardians Circle Members-Only Rewards
SEPTEMBER CHOICE REWARDS
September Choice Rewards will be sent via email offer at the end of the month to Guardians in member status! From this email, Guardians can claim E-Gift Codes from one of our many vendor choices or Donate Back to support our Winter Wishes Holiday Bears Program, which provides teddy bears to patients at Sharp Grossmont and Sharp Memorial Hospitals over the holiday season.
*Email opt-in is required to receive exclusive Guardians Circle offers via email. Click here to log in to the donor portal to view or update your communication preferences. Questions? Email rewards@sdbb.org.
Featured Story: Little Tommy Sablan
When Blood Became Life for Little Tommy Sablan
Local radio and TV producer Tommy Sablan never thought he’d need blood — until a sudden gastrointestinal (GI) bleed and cancer diagnosis left him fighting for his life. A timely transfusion made all the difference.
Meet Tommy Sablan, a San Diego native, hall of fame radio producer, business owner, and KUSI planner who never thought he would need blood.
On February 13, he wasn’t feeling well and went to the ER. Doctors discovered a GI bleed and kidney cancer. What he didn’t realize at the time was that he was slowly bleeding internally, which could be fatal.
Today, Tommy is doing well and is grateful to every blood donor who helped save his life. Your gift is more than blood — it’s hope, healing, and a second chance.
Hear from Tommy as he shares his story in the video below.
