Your Blood Could Save a Life

It’s that time of the year again…to donate blood.

The month-long County Blood Drive kicks off April 3. All employees are encouraged to donate blood and, if they qualify, to register to be a bone marrow donor at Be The Match.

Donating blood and bone marrow is safe, costs nothing and could save a life. Bloodmobiles will be at 19 sites across the county throughout April. You can make an appointment, or just walk in. Employees can use County time to donate blood, with approval from their supervisor.

If you can donate blood, do it. If you can’t, try to get a family member or friend to take your place. All blood types are needed.

This is the 33rd year the County has sponsored the blood drive, which supports the Live Well San Diego vision of healthy, safe and thriving residents and communities

Be the perfect match

The County is also encouraging employees to register to be bone marrow donors.

Registering for Be the Match is easy and pain free. All you have to do is swab the inside of your cheek and you can do it at one of the 19 blood donation sites.

Be The Match is especially looking for donors in the 18-44 age group because doctors request them over 90 percent of the time. This is because medical research has shown that cells from younger donors lead to better long-term survival for patients after a transplant. Registration is completely free.

People between the ages of 45 and 60 can also join the Be The Match Registry®, but will be required to make a $100 payment at the end of the online process. 

Be The Match is also looking for members of diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds because patients are most likely to match someone who shares their ancestry.