The community is encouraged to give blood this Thursday, Jan. 25 at the American Red Cross’s bloodmobile which will be parked outside of the Mission Hills/Hillcrest U.S. Bank at 610 W. Washington St. from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The blood drive comes amid “critically low levels” of the blood supply across the country, with a 20 year low of donors turning out to give blood, according to reporting by Kristina Houck. The American Red Cross accounts for 40% of the country’s blood donation supply, using it to fill critical needs of patients suffering from cancer, chronic illnesses, injuries and more.

With its location so close to San Diego’s historic LGBTQ+ neighborhood, special outreach is being done to inform people about the FDA’s revised rules regarding donors. For decades, certain members of the LGBTQ+ community were barred from donating. Those rules were revised in August 2023 so now anyone over age 17 in decent health can donate.

While people can show up at the bloodmobile, signing up for an appointment online can save time. Visit redcrossblood.org and use sponsor code USBankHillcrest to make an appointment.

More information on the event can be found at misionhillsbid.com.