Media Contact: Christine Welch
Telephone: (909) 374-0376
SAN DIEGO (Oct. 2, 2023) — For the seventh 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 the Aztecs, CBS 8 and the CW at the largest annual collegiate blood drive in the state of California, Wednesday, November 15, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Viejas Arena. The blood donations collected will help treat cancer patients, trauma victims, surgery patients and others requiring life-impacting blood transfusions.
As a thank-you, those who come to donate blood will receive a T-shirt, an exclusive pair of Elf and Red Cross socks*, and other give-aways, while supplies last.
“Our Aztec community has rallied together and helped collect 1,660 units over the last six years helping make a difference for thousands of hospital patients in need,” said Lisa Pearson, Senior Associate Athletic Director of Marketing and New Media, San Diego State University. “We look forward to our community continuing the tradition and sharing their good health at the 7th Annual Aztecs for Life Blood Drive.”
The American Red Cross continues to experience a national blood and platelet shortage and asks the public to book a time to give in the days and weeks to come. Donors of all blood types are urgently needed, especially type O blood donors and those giving platelets.
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 recommended and can be made at GoAztecs.com/BloodDrive or 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
Wednesday, Nov. 15
9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
5500 Canyon Crest Drive
How to donate blood
All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification 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 have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.
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 and 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 nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org/SoCal or cruzrojaamericana.org, or connect with the Southern California Region on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube or Facebook.
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*Give-aways are not redeemable for cash. Terms apply, see rcblood.org/perks
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.