With summer being one of the most critical times for blood donations, local blood banks, including Vitalant and the American Red Cross, will conduct drives to help ensure lifesaving support is available for those who need it.

The Community Environmental Council (CEC) and Vitalant will hold a community blood drive Monday, June 15 at CEC’s Environmental Hub, 1219 State St., Santa Barbara.

Their goal is to reach of 16 donated units, and as a thank-you, all donors will receive a $15 rewards gift card through Vitalant’s donor rewards program when scheduling with code: JUNEGIFT-2026-V.

To schedule an appointment:

Visit cec.pub/cec-blood-drive-june15 or call 877-258-4825 and mention blood drive code 100564079.

Choose an available appointment time between 1-4:30 p.m.

Select your donation type:
◦ Whole Blood
◦ Power Red

Enter/provide donor rewards code JUNEGIFT-2026-V to receive a $15 Rewards gift card.

Which donation type should you choose?

Whole Blood: The standard and most common donation option. About one pint of blood is collected during a quick donation process that takes 10 minutes (around one hour total including check-in, recovery and snacks).

Power Red: Power Red donations collect concentrated red blood cells while safely returning plasma and platelets to the donor. Because red blood cells are especially needed by hospitals, each Power Red donation counts as two donated units toward our community goal.

Power Red donations take 15 extra minutes compared to whole blood and include hydration through a saline drip. This donation type is especially encouraged for donors with blood types O-, O+, A-, or B-.

The American Red Cross, which has also noted an urgent need for donors, said it is counting community members to book a time to give blood.

“Donors of all blood types are essential in keeping the blood supply strong enough to withstand summer challenges,” said the Red Cross.

As an incentive for coming to give blood in Santa Barbara, from now until June 28. the Red Cross is offering a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of choice, plus be automatically entered for a chance to win one of two $7,500 gift cards.

Scheduled donations, which account for 90% of all blood donations, have dropped sharply in recent weeks, the Red Cross said, and as a result, the blood supply has fallen by several thousand units in just a week, raising concerns that the decline could worsen as we enter trauma season, spokespersons said.

The period between Memorial Day and Labor Day brings an increase in severe injuries from vehicle accidents, AAA reports. AAA reports that fatal crashes involving teen drivers rise by 30% during this time, often called the “100 deadliest days.”

A single person injured in a serious car accident can require up to 100 units of blood.

Securing appointments in the coming weeks is critical to maintaining a healthy blood supply for all patients depending on transfusions, the Red Cross said.

To make an appointment, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS or use the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

See RedCrossBlood.org/June for details.

How to donate blood

Download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-733-2767 to make an appointment or for more information.

All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card, 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 lbs. 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.

For more, visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org.