Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
SAN DIEGO (Oct. 20, 2021) — For the fifth consecutive year, San Diego State University (SDSU) and the American Red Cross are teaming up to help hospital patients through the Aztecs for Life blood drive. The San Diego community is invited to join Aztecs and CBS 8 at the largest annual collegiate blood drive in the state of California, Tuesday, Nov. 16, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Viejas Arena. The blood donations collected will help treat cancer patients, trauma victims, surgery patients and others requiring lifesaving blood transfusions.
“Year after year, the Aztec community has answered the call to make a difference and help hospital patients in need,” said Lisa Pearson, Senior Associate Athletic Director of Marketing and New Media, San Diego State University. “As we mark the 5th year of helping our community, we look forward to another impactful blood drive.”
Blood drives are an essential service providing a medical necessity to hospital patients. Right now, the Red Cross has an emergency blood shortage. Donors of all blood types – especially type O are urged to make an appointment to help overcome this current shortage.
The blood collected at this special blood drive will help ensure that the 115 southern California hospitals that the Red Cross serves – including 10 San Diego hospitals – have the blood products that patients rely on.
Appointments are required and can be made by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device, and using sponsor code aztecs.
Aztecs for Life blood drive
San Diego State University - Viejas Arena
Tuesday, Nov. 16
10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
5500 Canyon Crest Drive
As a thank-you, those who come to donate blood will receive a T-shirt and other give-aways, including a free meal gift card, courtesy of Raising Cane’s, and a Woodstock's Pizza free slice coupon, while supplies last.
Blood drive safety
Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and additional precautions – including face masks for donors and staff, regardless of vaccination status – have been implemented to help protect the health of all those in attendance. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive.
Save time during donation
Donors can also save up to 15 minutes at the blood drive by completing a RapidPass®. With RapidPass®, donors complete the pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of donation, from a mobile device or computer. To complete a RapidPass®, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Red Cross Blood Donor App.
To donate blood, individuals need to bring a blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification that are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age 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 years of age and younger also must meet certain height and weight requirements.
About San Diego State University
San Diego State University is a major public research institution that provides transformative experiences for its more than 36,000 students. SDSU offers bachelor's degrees in 95 areas, master's degrees in 78 areas and doctorates in 22 areas, as well as programs at regional microsites and around the globe. SDSU ranks as the number 1 California State University in federal research support, as one of the top public research Universities in California. In addition to academic offerings at SDSU, SDSU Imperial Valley and SDSU Georgia, SDSU Global Campus offers online training, certificates and degrees in areas of study designed to meet the needs of students everywhere. Students participate in transformational research, international experiences, sustainability and entrepreneurship initiatives, internships and mentoring, and a broad range of student life and leadership opportunities. SDSU is committed to inclusive excellence and known for its efforts advancing diversity and inclusion. SDSU is nationally recognized for its study abroad initiatives, veterans’ programs and support of LGBTQA+ students, as well as its powerhouse Division I Athletics Program. About 54% of SDSU’s undergraduate and graduate students are students of color. SDSU is also a long-standing Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and resides on Kumeyaay land. The university’s rich campus life and location offers opportunities for students to lead and engage with the creative and performing arts, career and internship opportunities with SDSU’s more than 400,000 living alumni, and the vibrant cultural life of the greater San Diego and U.S.- Mexico region.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
*Give-aways are not redeemable for cash.
Editor’s note: Free parking for media and blood donors will be available in Parking Lot 13 behind Viejas Arena the day of the blood drive.