Talk about milestones.
In 1950, San Diego was experiencing rapid growth, rebounding from the hardships of World War II and looking forward to the promise of a new decade.
This was the same year the San Diego Blood Bank was founded by a group of driven medical professionals and community leaders to meet the immediate blood needs of the city and serve as a foundation for research, education, and public health initiatives. In January 2025, San Diego Blood Bank will begin its 75th anniversary celebration with the opening of a new blood donation center in the Clairemont Mesa neighborhood of San Diego, which also coincides with National Blood Donor Month.
San Diego Blood Bank Celebrates 75 Years
For 75 years, San Diego Blood Bank has grown alongside the city, evolving to meet the needs of a changing San Diego. It remains rooted in compassion and community leadership and the crucial work required to maintain a steady blood supply for our region.
Since 1950, San Diego Blood Bank has collected more than 5.5 million pints of blood from volunteer blood donors, and currently impacts as many as 150,000 patient lives each year. What differentiates San Diego Blood Bank from other blood banking organizations is simple – they are a community blood bank serving San Diego and the region specifically.
“We are a homegrown community nonprofit, founded 75 years ago on the need for San Diego to have a central organization that would collect and supply blood for hospitals locally,” said Douglas Morton, CEO, San Diego Blood Bank. “The official opening of our new permanent Clairemont Mesa location expands our reach to diverse residents of various ethnic backgrounds, enabling improved blood matches for patients in San Diego and in Southern California. We’re fulfilling our vision of making blood donation accessible to everyone in San Diego. You can now find a San Diego Blood Bank blood donation center anywhere in San Diego within a 10-minute drive.”
San Diego Blood Bank has evolved and grown into a key regional and national resource for lifesaving blood donations, plasma collection, and medical advancements. The organization participates in and has led cutting-edge research initiatives such as cell therapy and regenerative medicine, Precision Blood medical research, and cord blood banking. These programs are possible thanks to blood donors, funders, and community collaborators who are all champions of health and wellness.
San Diego Blood Bank Opens 10th SD Location
The residents and business owners of San Diego’s Clairemont Mesa neighborhood have long supported the San Diego Blood Bank – hosting bloodmobiles at various businesses, churches, and schools for several decades. In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, a blood donation “pop-up” location was established at the Clairemont Town Square shopping center to allow access for residents to show up regularly to donate blood during a very critical time. Now in 2025, San Diego Blood Bank will open a permanent location in the same shopping center, which is the nonprofit’s 10th blood donation location, serving residents of Clairemont Mesa, Bay Park, Bay Ho, Kearny Mesa, Linda Vista, Pacific Beach, and University City.
The 3,978 sq. ft. blood donation center, located at 3998 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. Suite A, in the Clairemont Town Square shopping center, is one of the largest sites operated by San Diego Blood Bank.
San Diego Blood Bank’s Clairemont Mesa location is equipped to collect whole blood donations, double red cells, platelets, and plasma. The new location features pre-appointment screening rooms, a canteen area where donors can enjoy refreshments after donating, an “All of Us” research room, a draw floor that can accommodate 8-10 donors at a time, a components room to pack blood for transport, and administrative offices.
In the Welcome Area, staff curated a collage of historical photos from local archives to display in the center, to honor the neighborhood’s history and community contributions. Visit the San Diego Blood Bank website to make an appointment at the new Clairemont Mesa location.
Vital Part of Community
San Diego Blood Bank remains a vital part of the San Diego community and a testament to the power of grassroots efforts in meeting critical health needs. National Blood Donor Month is an excellent time to encourage San Diegans to donate blood and highlight the impact blood donations have on neighbors in need. Blood supplies often run critically low in January due to reduced donations during the busy holiday season.
“Starting the year with robust reserves ensures our community is ready to respond to emergencies and unforeseen events, and blood donation is one of the quickest ways to help save lives,” Morton said. “The entire donation process can take as little as 45 minutes from when you arrive, and you can donate on your own schedule by making an appointment at a San Diego Blood Bank location or mobile unit near you.”
Donating in January sets the foundation for a strong year ahead, enabling San Diego Blood Bank to meet ongoing needs. For donors, they can begin a consistent donation schedule throughout 2025, which ensures that our community’s blood bank is ready to respond.
“This January, we seek younger donors who can commit to donating blood, plasma, and platelets regardless of whether someone they know is in need,” Morton said. “As our blood donors age, we want to reach and engage with younger donors to help us maintain the appropriate level of blood supply for years to come.”
Here’s how you can support San Diego Blood Bank during National Blood Donor Month and beyond:
A single pint of blood can save up to three patient lives. To donate blood, you must be 17 years old, weigh at least 110 lbs., and be in general good health; Become an advocate or volunteer; Make a financial contribution; Host a blood drive at your work site, place of worship, high school, college, or university.In 2025, San Diego Blood Bank will host various events and initiatives to celebrate its 75th anniversary. Visit sandiegobloodbank.org for more information about hosting a blood drive, donating blood, making a financial donation, or finding the location nearest to you.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( SD Blood Bank Begins 75th Anniversary Celebration with Opening of New Blood Donation Location in Clairemont Mesa )
Also on site :
- Billboard’s 2025 Global Power Players Revealed
- Amazon’s Best-Selling Power Bank Is Now Nearly Free, 76K Reviews Can’t Be Wrong
- Meghan Markle shares unseen family photos on seventh wedding anniversary to Prince Harry