Thanksgiving Blood Drive will help save lives

The UCI bloodmobile will roll into the Mission Viejo Civic Center parking lot on Tuesday, November 24 to host a special blood drive from 9 am to 4 pm. To maintain social distancing and safety protocols, appointments are required and available at this link.  

Hosted by UCI Medical Center (the only level 1 Trauma Center in Orange County), this Thanksgiving blood drive was requested by a family who knows well the importance of blood donation.   

Matt had his first liver transplant when he was 3 years old. His new liver lasted 33 years until September when he needed a second transplant. Since the surgery was more complex, Matt ended up using 180 units of blood.  Matt and his wife Katie are extremely grateful for the 180 people who donated the blood that helped save his life. The couple want to give back by teaming up with UCI Medical Center to host this holiday blood drive.

The blood you donate on November 24 will undoubtedly help save the life of someone in need. As a sweet treat, everyone who donates will receive two certificates for a pint of Baskin Robbins ice-cream. 

For more information, contact tbarrett@uci.edu.