The American Red Cross will hold three blood drives across Carlsbad from Tuesday, Oct. 13, through Friday, Oct. 16, offering gift cards to donors who give blood or platelets.
The drives are set for the Westin Carlsbad Resort and Spa, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Camino De Los Coches and the Shoppes at Carlsbad, according to the Red Cross.
All blood types are needed.
Anyone who donates through Sunday, Oct. 18, will receive a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice. Starting Monday, Oct. 19, donors can receive up to $20 in gift cards, including a $10 Amazon gift card and rewards points redeemable for another $10 e-gift card. That higher tier runs through Sunday, Nov. 22.
At select blood drives in early October, donors can also receive a free admission ticket to SeaWorld San Diego's Howl-O-Scream event. The Carlsbad drives fall Oct. 13–16, and the Red Cross has not specified whether they are included in the SeaWorld offer.
The organization said it is seeking donors of all blood types as it prepares for unpredictable fall weather and potential natural disasters. A stable supply allows donations to be transported to hospitals wherever they are needed, including during emergencies, the Red Cross said.
The three Carlsbad drives:
- Tuesday, Oct. 13, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Westin Carlsbad Resort and Spa, 5480 Grand Pacific Drive
- Thursday, Oct. 15, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 3450 Camino De Los Coches
- Friday, Oct. 16, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. — Shoppes at Carlsbad, 2525 El Camino Real
Donors must be at least 17 years old, or 16 with parental consent where allowed by state law, and must weigh at least 110 pounds. A blood donor card, driver's license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in.
To schedule an appointment, donors can download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-733-2767.
Upcoming Carlsbad community events:
- Saturday, Oct. 24 — Bike the Coast rides through Carlsbad (details)
