Salinas Valley Health Hosts Successful Blood Drive

Salinas, CA - More than a 100 community members donated blood today at Salinas Valley Health as part of the second annual KSBW Community Blood Drive, helping address the ongoing, critical need for blood across the region.

Salinas Valley Health hosted Vitalant, the largest supplier of blood in Monterey County,  on site from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with every available appointment filled and additional walk-in donors accommodated throughout the day.

Many of donors were employees at Salinas Valley Health and other staff served as volunteers helping to facilitate the donation process. In all 106 pints of blood were collected with donations potentially saving up to 318 lives.

Emergency Department physician Rakesh Singh, MD, was among the first to donate blood at today’s drive and emphasized the real-world impact of donor participation.

“One donation can save up to three lives,” Singh said. “I have seen firsthand how timely access to blood can mean the difference between life and death. Community drives like this one ensure that local hospitals have the resources we need to act quickly when seconds matter.”

Blood donation is a safe, simple process that typically takes less than an hour from start to finish. Donors are screened, monitored throughout the donation, and supported by trained professionals to ensure a comfortable experience. For many donors, the process is routine — but the impact is lifesaving.

Dr. Singh also highlighted the importance of community collaboration in meeting this need. “Blood donation is a critical, life-saving service, and community blood drives are a powerful opportunity to make a difference and come together,” he said. “Thanks to KSBW’s leadership in sponsoring this drive, and the participation of all of the generous donors who came out today, we can ensure lifesaving blood is available when it’s needed most.”

Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood. From trauma patients and individuals undergoing open-heart surgery to cancer patients requiring transfusions, hospitals rely on a stable blood supply to respond quickly in both routine and emergency situations. Community blood drives play a vital role in keeping that supply available.

In addition to Salinas Valley Health, Montage Health, Dominican Hospital, Natividad, and Mee Memorial Hospital all participated in the KSBW Community Blood Drive.

Media Contact: Karina Rusk
831-759-1843