A Year of Hope, Health, and Life-Saving Generosity
50,556
Individual Blood Donors
First-time Blood Donors INCLUDING
14,672
Patient Lives
96,578 RED BLOOD CELL UNITS
71,857
151,668 PLASMA UNITS
21,183 PLATELET UNITS
Dear Friends,
As we reflect on another year at San Diego Blood Bank, we are profoundly grateful for the steadfast support of our donors, volunteers, partners, and financial supporters. Amid a year of achievements and continued challenges, your unwavering commitment has propelled our mission to save lives and improve health outcomes across Southern California.
This past year, we were moved by stories of lives saved and connections forged through the simple yet powerful act of blood donation. Among them is Kamila, a young patient with a rare form of anemia, who met several of her blood donors in a deeply emotional experience that highlighted the life-changing impact of each donation. Stories like Kamila’s remind us that every donor has the power to give the gift of life.
Our Guardians Circle membership program grew to over 11,000 dedicated members, whose consistent blood donations help us meet patients' urgent needs. It's thanks to our committed blood donors that we are able to provide reliable blood supplies for those who depend on us.
We have also celebrated long-standing partnerships and welcomed new ones, each helping us broaden our reach and impact. Generous support from foundations like the Cushman Foundation and the David C. Copley Foundation has strengthened initiatives such as Precision Blood™ and our contributions to the All of Us Research Program, which is building one of the most inclusive health databases in history. Partnerships with organizations like Sharp HealthCare, County of San Diego, and San Diego Padres further enable us to meet our community's evolving needs.
Looking ahead, 2025 marks our 75TH anniversary, and we are energized by the opportunity to celebrate the legacy of impact we have achieved together. This milestone invites us to look to the future with renewed dedication to our community, to innovation, and to the patients who rely on us.
Thank you for your invaluable support and for continuing this life-saving journey with us.
With gratitude,
Douglas J. Morton Chief Executive Officer
Douglas Morton, pictured with Maria, grateful mother of blood recipient, Kamila.
Featured Blood Drives
Padres Blood Drives
This year's 2ND Annual Winter & 8TH Annual Summer Blood Drives at Petco Park collected over 861 units of blood, meeting a vital need during two challenging collection periods. Since 2017, the Padres have helped collect more than 3,600 pints of blood, impacting up to 10,800 lives in Southern California.
"The Winter Blood Drive remains a success thanks to the San Diego Blood Bank and everyone involved," said Tom Seidler, Padres Senior VP of Community & Military Affairs.
“May The Fourth Be with You” Blood Drive
Held on May 4TH, 2024, at the Comic-Con Museum in Balboa Park, this Star Wars-themed blood drive brought in over 50 pints of blood. Donors received complimentary museum tickets and took photos with cosplaying Star Wars characters. Each pint collected could potentially save up to three lives, meaning this drive could save 150 lives in Southern California.
Celebrating Long-Standing Partnerships
These dedicated partners have consistently shown up to save lives year after year.
Sharp HealthCare | 12,000+ units collected County of San Diego | 10,000+ units collected Irvine Company | 4,500+ units collected SDG&E | 4,000+ units collected Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) | 5,500+ units collected American Assets Trust | 3,000+ units collected San Diego County Credit Union (SDCCU) 2,000+ units collected
To learn more about our annual blood drives and partnering with SDBB, visit sandiegobloodbank.org/impact
Star Wars characters greet blood donors at the 2024 May the Fourth Be With You Blood Drive.
Pictured left to right: Andrew Harvey, County of San Diego Senior Community and Binational Affairs Representative, Tom Seidler, Senior VP, San Diego Padres Community and Military Affairs, Claudine Van Gonka, San Diego Blood Bank Director of Community Relations and Media, and the Swingin’ Friar.
Team Survivor Story: Juan Olmeda’s Journey
A Testament to the Life-Saving Power of Blood Donation
On November 2, 2009, Juan Olmeda’s life changed forever when he was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). “Those were days I wouldn’t wish upon anyone; it felt like a nightmare that would never end,” Juan reflects. Through his darkest moments, blood transfusions from generous donors became his lifeline. “The blood transfusions played a very important role in my life. They’re why I am alive and enjoying my family and life today.”
THE GIFT OF LIFE
For Juan, blood donations were gifts that brought him treasured memories. “I struggle to find words to thank our community, whose blood donations have allowed me to see my grandchildren grow, celebrate my granddaughter’s graduation, and welcome my newest grandson.” These moments are a testament to the impact donors make every day.
THE IMPORTANCE OF DIVERSITY IN BLOOD DONATION
Having experienced the life-saving impact of blood transfusions, Juan understands how vital it is for donors of all backgrounds to participate. People from diverse backgrounds often provide the best matches for patients with complex needs, like leukemia. “My dream is for my Latino and Mexican community, and everyone, to become more involved in saving lives. Let’s continue giving the gift of life to others.”
A LIFE OF GRATITUDE
Now cancer-free, Juan is deeply grateful to the donors who saved his life. “Thank you for the gift of life you have given and continue to give to our community. Life is very short, and we must enjoy every moment. I cherish being here for my family, and I owe that to the kindness of blood donors.”
Featured Drive Partner
Recognition: Robert A. Heinlein Comic-Con® Blood Drive
47 Years of Heroes Saving Lives
In July 2023, the 47TH Robert A. Heinlein Comic-Con Blood Drive collected over 2,385 units of blood from generous attendees, marking another successful year in our cherished partnership with Comic-Con. Running from July 19 to July 23 at the Manchester Grand Hyatt, this year’s drive rewarded donors with a limited-edition Marvel Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 T-shirt, symbolizing their role as real-life heroes.
"We are extremely thankful to the donors and our partners at Comic-Con for their support in making this drive successful for the 47 TH year in a row," said San Diego Blood Bank CEO, Douglas Morton.
"The generosity and commitment shown by these superheroes who donated blood at this drive will save many lives throughout the summer."
Robert Simpson, Vice President, Hospital Services and Janet Villa, RN & Senior Director, Innovation Development Operations, help process blood during Comic-Con 2023.
A Legacy of Giving
Since its inception in 1976, the Robert A. Heinlein Comic-Con Blood Drive has become a tradition, welcoming thousands of donors each year. To date, this long-standing partnership has resulted in over 77,570 pints of blood collected, with the potential to impact more than 232,700 lives. It’s a powerful example of the Comic-Con community coming together to make a difference.
We are grateful for the continued support of Comic-Con and the thousands of blood donors who show up year after year to help save lives. Together, we are turning a shared passion for
Local blood recipient Ella thanks blood donor Christina—aka Wonder Woman—during the 2023 Comic-Con blood drive.
Featured Financial Partners
Grossmont Healthcare District: Supporting Local Blood Recipients Through Philanthropy
For 25 years, Grossmont Healthcare District in East County, San Diego, has been a dedicated supporter of our mission. Their generous funding has contributed to bloodmobiles, equipment, and supplies essential for life-saving blood collections.
Since 2008, we have collaborated on the Winter Wishes Program, a heartwarming initiative that distributes hundreds of teddy bears to patients at Sharp Grossmont Hospital during the holiday season. This program brings joy and comfort to those in need, demonstrating the profound impact of community partnership.
The philanthropy of Grossmont Healthcare District enables us to make a meaningful difference and positively transform the lives of patients in the communities we serve across Southern California.
Representatives from Grossmont Healthcare District and San Diego Blood Bank gather at Grossmont Hospital to distribute teddy bears to patients.
Cushman Foundation & David C. Copley Foundation: Advancing Life-Saving Precision
San Diego Blood Bank proudly recognizes the Cushman Foundation and David C. Copley Foundation for their vital support of our Precision Blood™ program, which is transforming transfusion medicine. This initiative enables us to deliver precisely matched blood products to patients with complex needs, including those with sickle cell disease.
Thanks to their generosity, we’ve analyzed over 30,000 donor samples and are now working toward important studies, improving our ability to match blood at a genetic level. This innovation may improve patient outcomes, offering hope to those relying on well-matched blood. Together, we’re building a future where every blood donation ensures maximum compatibility, safety, and impact.
Program Highlights
GUARDIANS CIRCLE: BUILDING A LIFE-SAVING COMMUNITY
Since its launch three years ago, the Guardians Circle has grown to over 11,000 dedicated members who regularly commit to donating blood. This elite group of donors contributed 47,053 donations in FY 23-24 alone, helping to save an estimated 141,159 lives. With an average of 4.26 donations a year, Guardians Circle members exemplify the power of consistent, community-driven support.
PRECISION BLOOD: ADVANCING PATIENT CARE WITH PRECISION
Through our Precision Blood program, San Diego Blood Bank (SDBB) is transforming transfusion medicine. Thanks to generous support from financial partners, we have genetically analyzed over 30,000 donor samples, paving the way for more precise blood matches. This program may benefit patients with conditions like sickle cell disease, where matched blood is critical for successful treatment. Precision Blood aims to set a new standard for personalized transfusion care, help meet patients' unique transfusion needs, and improve health outcomes.
ALL OF US RESEARCH PROGRAM: BUILDING A DIVERSE HEALTH DATABASE
With over 7,600 participants recruited through San Diego Blood Bank, the All of Us Research Program is creating one of the most diverse health databases in history. This program aims to drive medical research that reflects the diversity of our population, providing insights into health conditions and treatments for all. By participating in this initiative, we are contributing to a future of more inclusive, effective healthcare.
To learn more about our programs, visit our digital Impact Report at sandiegobloodbank.org/impact
Donor Experience Manager, Nicole is also a proud Guardians Circle member, seen here donating platelets on World Blood Donor Day.
Volunteer Impact
A Community of Caring Volunteers
Volunteers are the heart of San Diego Blood Bank, supporting our mission with thousands of hours of service each year. In FY 23-24, 457 devoted volunteers collectively contributed 18,923 hours—an effort that is invaluable to our life-saving work. We are grateful for their commitment, whether they are welcoming donors, supporting blood drives, or assisting with community outreach.
Volunteer Milestones
This year, several of our volunteers achieved remarkable milestones:
5 Gold Award recipients , each completing over 500 hours of service
7 Silver Award recipients , with 250-499 hours
41 Bronze Award recipients , each contributing 100-249 hours
Volunteer Joy helps direct blood donors at the 2023 Comic-Con Blood Drive.
Fueling Life: Help Fund a New Bloodmobile
San Diego Blood Bank relies on bloodmobiles to bring donation opportunities directly to communities across Southern California. With your help, we can expand our reach and make life-saving blood donations more accessible than ever.
Our goal is to raise the funds needed to replace an aging bloodmobile with a new, state-of-the-art vehicle. Each bloodmobile collects thousands of units of blood each year, providing critical support to patients who need transfusions. By supporting this campaign, you’re directly impacting the lives of individuals and families throughout our region.
To make a gift, please visit sandiegobloodbank.org/bloodmobile.
Happy donors visit our bloodmobiles every day.
Saving Lives Through Philanthropy
LEADERSHIP CIRCLE
Generous individual, corporate and foundation donors support our greatest needs for blood collection supplies, equipment, and innovative research. Financial gifts help us save lives every day.
Join our annual giving program with a contribution of $1,000 or more, supporting San Diego Blood Bank’s greatest needs, from life-saving blood services to critical equipment.
VISIONARY CIRCLE
Make a monthly commitment and choose a giving level that works for you. Monthly gifts help sustain cancer patients, trauma victims, and others in need of regular transfusions.
Membership levels include
Patron $500 Sustainer $250 Contributor $100
To learn more about membership benefits visit sandiegobloodbank.org/membership
PLANNED GIVING
Leave a legacy by making a planned gift, such as a bequest, stock, real estate, or a charitable trust. Planned giving allows you to make a long-lasting difference in the lives of future patients.
CORPORATE AND FOUNDATION GIVING
Partner with us to support patients, blood collection, and community wellness. Opportunities include blood drive sponsorships, annual corporate partnerships, grants for vital resources, and in-kind donations.
OTHER WAYS TO GIVE
Stock Gifts – Donate appreciated stock for a tax benefit.
Vehicle Donations – Donate your car, truck, or boat through our partner, CARS.
Every contribution, large or small, helps us save lives and build a healthier community. We are grateful for the support of donors like you who make our mission possible.
For more information about giving, visit sandiegobloodbank.org/give or contact Cherryl Castro-Lector at cclector@sdbb.org or (619) 400-8214.
FY 23-24 Key Financial Donors
$100,000+
$50,000 - $99,999
• Price Philanthropies Foundation
$25,000 - $49,999
• Gerald T. & Inez Grant Parker Foundation
• Grossmont Healthcare District
• The Hervey Family Fund at San Diego Foundation
• San Diego Woman's Club Foundation
$10,000-$24,999
Geoffrey Bailey
• County of San Diego
The Morrison & Foerster Foundation
• Art Pratt Foundation of Old Mission Rotary Club
$2,500-$9,999
• Barona Resort & Casino
• BDT & Associates, Inc
• The Beyster Family Foundation at San Diego Foundation
Stephen and Debra Bralla
• Charles Cohler
James and Janet Dort
• Art and Gwendolyn Flaming
• Henry Freet
• Jeffrey and Mary Gray
and Anthony R. Carr, Managing Partner
Steven and Sally Rogers
• San Diego Gas & Electric Sycuan Casino Resort
• John Howard
• The Ruth Lane Charitable Foundation
• David and Janice Lowenberg
• Jack and LeChi Mathis
• Marsh McLennan Agency
• Gregory Mullendore
• Professional Maintenance Systems
• Walmart Neighborhood Market #4169
• Christopher and Karen Ward
• James and Kathryn Whistler
Leadership Circle
• Walter and Jolene Andersen
• Larry and Marie Armstrong
• Geoffrey Bailey
• Joseph and Joyce Baressi
• Theodore Barrow
• Rebecca Blakely Bashforth
• Lauren Lee Beaudry and Jack Snider
• Helen Bixenman
• Stephen and Debra Bralla
• Paul Brooks and Joyce A. Haak
• Anthony R. Carr
• Debbie Clark
• Charles Cohler
• Virginia Corrente
• Gerral and Anne David
• David Dickson
• James and Janet Dort
• Elliot and Diane Feuerstein
Visionary Circle
• Rebecca Blakely Bashforth
• Steven Bates
• Marc Birou
• Sandra Boyles
• Oliver Brewer
• Joy Cabrera
• Diana Cavanaugh
• John Cole
• Brian Crampton
• Michael Daniel
• Stephen and Rosie Demoret
• Angela DePalo
• Bonita Drolet
• Linda Dunham
• Leslie and James Eagan
• Liza Galon
• Monica Hallor
• Michael Haus
• Frederick Hitchcock
• Ronald and Josephine Igelman
• Art and Gwendolyn Flaming
• Henry Freet
• Michael Friedrichs
• Jeffrey and Mary Gray
• James and Sallie Hoch
• John Howard
• Robert and Donna Hummer
• Andrew and Pamela Kurz
• LeRoy and Judith Lafferty
• George and Carol Ann Lattimer
• Hienlanh Le
• Pableo and Erlinda Lector
• Beth Ann and John Ley
• David and Janice Lowenberg
• Gene and Beth Lynes
• Robert Lyon
• John Martin
• Jack and LeChi Mathis
• Janet K. McKeown
• Tyler Johnson
• Susan Josephson
• Eric and Becca Karpinski
• John Kennedy
• Patrick King
• Lisa Klauck
• Ramon and Frances Lebron
• Laurence and Cherryl Lector
• Ken Lundgren
• Melanie Lunsford
• John McGreal
• Stephen McMeeken
• James and Carol McPeak
• Douglas J. and Chandra Morton
• Michael Muhlenhaupt
• Jacki Munchus
• Linda Niles
• Kimberly Obdianela
• Diane Owens
• Karen Rae
• Peter Michael
• Gregory Mullendore
• Wayne and Mary Pfeiffer
• Huy Pham
• Peter and Sandra Phillips
• John Pitcairn
• Ruben Porras
• Howard and Carole Robin
• Steven and Sally Rogers
• Linda Schmetzer
• Tracy Shaw
• James and Dareen Starck
• The Stephen Family Fund
• Frank Swayze
• John Taylor
• Robert Tressler
• Christopher and Karen Ward
• James and Kathryn Whistler
• Cynthia and Timothy Wollaeger
• Mark Richards
• Julie and Dennis Richardson
• Timothy Ripley
• Cathy Rockdashil
• Diana Sanchez
• Mario Santos
• Bret and Sarah Sealey
• Wayne Seim
• Maggie Smith
• Cory Stclair
• Jeannette Temple
• Aaron and Lauren Torres
• Robert Tressler
• Claudine and Jeff Van Gonka
• Don VanMeter
• Vance Veynar
• Nancy Ward
• Gregory White
• Joy Wolf
a year full of special events, exclusive appreciation gifts, and meaningful opportunities to help save lives. Join us as we honor our legacy and look forward to an even brighter future, saving more lives together.
Since 1950, San Diego Blood Bank has been committed to saving lives and strengthening our community, thanks to the unwavering support of our donors, volunteers, and partners.
On the front cover: Guardians Circle members Latasha and Shaquirra know that saving lives rocks!
