Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood. On this day, it would be Raenique “Rae” Madden-Bowman who suddenly, desperately, needed blood. 

A support specialist with the County’s Homeless Solutions and Equitable Communities, Madden-Bowman was on her way home from a routine physical when her doctor called to tell her that her test results had come back and she needed to get to a hospital. Initially, she ignored the advice and continued home. She felt fine. But after some persuasion, her husband got her to the hospital. 

It turned out that Madden-Bowman’s hemoglobin level had plunged to a dangerously low number and she needed an immediate blood transfusion. Two surgeries later, she recovered and was able to return home to her husband and little girl.  

Many people think to donate only during an emergency, but the need for blood is constant. “You hope to never need a transfusion,” Madden-Bowman, described by her colleagues as “everyone’s favorite,” said. “In those desperate moments, donors matter most.”

To help spur donations, the County of San Diego has again teamed up with San Diego Blood Bank for the 39th year of the County blood drive. Throughout April, the County is encouraging its employees and the public to give blood.

The County drive is one of the largest and most successful collection events organized by the San Diego Blood Bank. Everyone is welcome, including non-County employees, to sign up to donate.

“We don’t have to look far to find someone we know in need of blood,” said Chief Medical Officer Eric McDonald during a news conference on April 3 that kicked off the drive. “My mother needed a transfusion, and we are thankful to blood donors who made it possible for her to be here with us today. It is important for those who have donated, and for those who haven’t, to step forward to provide a diverse blood pool.

“Certain blood types and surface proteins are unique to specific groups and if you have someone with a similar ethnic background, a blood transfusion is less likely to cause a reaction.”

Every year, this drive collects 400 to 500 units of blood products for local hospitals. The County’s goal this year is 501 units. Appointments are encouraged and available at www.sandiegobloodbank.org. Walk-ins are welcome.

To be eligible to donate blood, you must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 114 pounds, and be in general good health. Click here for more on blood donor requirements and FAQs.  

Blood Drives at County of San Diego Locations:

COUNTY ADMINISTRATION CENTER | BOOK NOW 
MON, APR 3 | 9:30 am-4 pm | Mobile parked in front on Pacific Hwy., 1600 Pacific Hwy, San Diego, CA 92101  

FALLBROOK COMMUNITY CENTER | BOOK NOW 
MON, APR 3 | 11:30 pm-4:30 pm | Parking Lot, 341 Heald Ln., Fallbrook, CA 92028  

JULIAN LIBRARY | BOOK NOW 
WED, APR 5 | 12 am-5 pm | 1850 Highway 78, Julian, CA 92036   

COUNTY OPERATIONS CENTER | BOOK NOW 
THUR, APR 6 | 9 am-3 pm | Main Entrance Cul-de-Sac, 5560 Overland Ave., San Diego, CA 92123  

EAST REGION LIVE WELL CENTER | BOOK NOW 
MON, APR 10 | 9 am-2:30pm | Parking Lot, 367 N. Magnolia Ave., El Cajon, CA 92020  

MISSION VALLEY FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER- NORTH CENTRAL/RESIDENTIAL | BOOK NOW 
TUES, APR 11 | 8 am-1:30 pm | North Parking Lot area, 7947 Mission Center Ct., San Diego, CA 92108  

LEMON GROVE FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER | BOOK NOW 
TUES, APR 11 | 10 am–3:30 pm | Parking Lot, 7065 Broadway, Lemon Grove, CA 91945   

SAN DIEGO COUNTY ROADS DEPARTMENT | BOOK NOW 
FRI, APR 11 | 11 am-4 pm | Parking Lot, 11970 Singer Ln., Spring Valley, CA 91978  

NORTH INLAND LIVE WELL CENTER | BOOK NOW 
THURS, APR 13 | 9 am-2 pm | Parking Lot, 649 W. Mission Ave., Escondido, CA 92025  

SEVILLE PLAZA | BOOK NOW 
THUR, APR 13 | 9 am-3 pm | Campus Visitor Parking Lot, 5469 Kearny Villa Rd., San Diego, CA 92123  

SOUTH REGION LIVE WELL CENTER | BOOK NOW 
FRI, APR 14 | 8:30 am-2 pm | Parking Lot, 690 Oxford St., Chula Vista, CA 91911  

NORTH COAST FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER | BOOK NOW 
FRI, APR 14 | 8 am-1 pm | 3708 Ocean Ranch Blvd., Oceanside, CA 92056  

HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT SERVICES | BOOK NOW  
TUES, APR 18 | 9 am-3 pm | Parked Curbside, 3989 Ruffin Rd., San Diego, CA 92123  

NORTH CENTRAL FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER | BOOK NOW 
WED, APR 19 | 10 am-4 pm | Parking Lot, 5055 Ruffin Rd., San Diego, CA 92123  

SOUTH REGION FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER | BOOK NOW 
WED, APR 19 | 9 am-2:30 pm | Parking Lot, 401 Mile of Cars Way, National City, CA, 91950  

CHILD WELFARE SERVICES | BOOK NOW 
TUE, APR 25 | 8:30 am-2:30 pm | Parking Lot, 8911 Balboa Ave., San Diego, CA 92123