SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — One Comic-Con tradition for many has been donating blood every year through the San Diego Blood Bank.
While the convention isn't happening in person, locals can still participate in the yearly blood drive and score some SDCC swag while they're at it.
San Diego Blood Bank is extending its annual Robert A. Heinlein Blood Drive until Aug. 18 at any blood bank center or mobile donation drive. Donors will also receive a limited-edition Marvel Black Widow t-shirt while supplies last — a traditional reward for donors every Comic-Con.
For the last 43 years, the blood bank says the drive has seen more than 25,000 pints of blood donated, impacting more than 75,000 lives.
The drive is even more important this year as the blood bank faces a shortage amid the pandemic. Last month, the center said it's experiencing a critically low blood supply and all blood types are needed.
Summer is usually a challenging time, according to the blood bank, strained even more without schools being open, businesses hosting drives, and as local hospitals continue surgeries delayed due to the pandemic.
The blood bank is also testing all blood donations for coronavirus antibodies through the end of July.
To be eligible to donate blood, you must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 114 pounds, and be in generally good health. Appointments must be made through the blood bank here.
