The annual bloodletting ritual that's kept the County pulses going for 40 years kicked off Tuesday with the collaboration of the San Diego Blood Bank, looking to draw an ambitious 501 pints of life-saving juice this April. The County has leveled up its game, adding two new collection sites for a total of 24 giveaway spots where folks can roll up a sleeve.
Last year's heroes in office cubicles managed to squirrel away 435 pints—enough to potentially turn the tide for over a thousand illness-stricken souls. Each pint bag, they say, can play savior to up to three patients in dire straits. Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Nora Vargas stressed, "The blood donated saves lives," as a statement by County News Center reports. It's a critical stash for those beset by childbirth gone sideways, fragile neonates, cancer warriors, and victims mangled by flames or misfortune.
In a personal tale from the front lines, Health and Human Services Agency Interim Director Dr. Eric McDonald, MD, MPH, shared how the red stuff made a winner out of his own mother's brush with the Grim Reaper. And he isn't just a talking head; his day job in emergency medicine has shown him first-hand the dire need for a varied blood buffet, especially given that some types are like precious metals for specific ethnic groups, reducing the odds of a nasty transfusion tango.
With an eye on rallying the masses, the County and Blood Bank spawned the Community Guardians Program three years ago, roping in a dozen partners to beat the donation drum. According to County Assistant Chief Medical Officer Dr. Jennifer Tuteur, MD, who spoke to County News Center, groups like San Ysidro Health got their hands dirty hosting blood drives in their diverse neck of the woods, snagging north of 100 pints. The San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce has also gotten in on the act, hyping up their vast network to open their veins for the cause.
San Diego Blood Bank CEO Doug Morton cut to the chase, spilling the beans that are low on most types and need to secure more than 350 pints daily to keep up with the County's thirst. And sure, as the sun rises, County employees have their arms outstretched—among them are lifesavers Mary-Huyen, Cecilia, and Sara—stalwarts with personal stakes in the game.
The call to arms is out to all comers, not just the County badge flashers. And if you're ready to be part of this flesh and blood festival, they've got locations from the County Administration Center to libraries and public works offices opening their doors.
