SAN DIEGO, October 1, 2026 — The American Red Cross of San Diego and Imperial Counties is teaming up with SeaWorld San Diego to treat blood donors to a frightfully fun Howl-O-Scream experience. At select blood drives in early October, presenting blood donors will receive an admission ticket redeemable for free entrance to the nighttime Howl-O-Scream event,* which includes six haunted houses, eight scare zones, live entertainment, and more, courtesy of SeaWorld San Diego.
“Only three out of every 100 Americans donate blood, which is a frightful statistic,” said Vanessa Van Mill, Red Cross Biomedical Services District Manager. “We are grateful to SeaWorld San Diego for partnering with us to help raise awareness about the ongoing need for blood donations. As a special thank-you, eligible donors will receive a ticket, while supplies last, redeemable for a fun and interactive Halloween event. It's truly a win-win for donors and hospital patients alike.”
“We’re proud to continue our longstanding partnership with the American Red Cross and support the incredible work they do for communities throughout the region. Every blood donation has the potential to make a meaningful difference for someone in need, and we’re grateful to the generous individuals who take time out of their day to give back,” said Tyler Carter, SeaWorld San Diego Park President. “We hope this small gesture of appreciation provides donors with an opportunity to enjoy some Halloween fun at SeaWorld after making a difference for others.”
Every donation is key to making sure all patients relying on lifesaving transfusions, including car accident victims and those living with sickle cell disease, get the care they need. Donors of all blood types, especially those with type O blood are needed now.
The Red Cross offers three ways to make a donation appointment that can help save lives:
Participating San Diego County Blood Drives**:
Bonsall
10/5/2026: 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Bonsall High School, 7350 Lilac Rd
Carlsbad
10/1/2026: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Cape Rey Carlsbad Beach, a Hilton Resort and Spa, 1 Ponto Rd
10/2/2026: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Shoppes at Carlsbad, 2525 El Camino Real
10/7/2026: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Shoppes at Carlsbad, 2525 El Camino Real
10/13/2026: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Westin Carlsbad Resort and Spa, 5480 Grand Pacific Dr.
10/15/2026: 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 3450 Camino De Los Coches
10/16/2026: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Shoppes at Carlsbad, 2525 El Camino Real
Chula Vista
10/5/2026: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Chula Vista Elks Lodge, 901 Elks Lane
10/19/2026: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., Chula Vista Elks Lodge, 901 Elks Lane
El Cajon
10/19/2026: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., El Cajon Library, 201 E Douglas Ave
Encinitas
10/9/2026: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., San Dieguito United Methodist Church, 170 Calle Magdalena
Escondido
10/2/2026: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., North County Mall, 272 E. Via Rancho Pkwy
10/4/2026: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., North County Mall, 272 E. Via Rancho Pkwy
10/14/2026: 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Escondido Charter High School, 1868 E Valley Pkwy
10/22/2026: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., Orange Glen High School, 2200 Glenridge Road
Oceanside
10/1/2026: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Oceanside Masonic Center, 511 Eucalyptus
10/11/2026: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m., St Thomas More Catholic Church, 1450 S. Melrose Drive
10/13/2026: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Oceanside First Presbyterian Church, 2001 El Camino Real
10/15/2026: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Oceanside Masonic Center, 511 Eucalyptus
Poway
10/15/2026: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., Community Church of Poway, 13501 Community Rd
Rancho Santa Fe
10/18/2026: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., The Village Community Presbyterian Church, 6225 Paseo Delicias
San Diego
10/6/2026: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., University of San Diego, University Center, 5998 Alcala Park Way
10/6/2026: 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Ryan Family YMCA, 4390 Valeta St
10/7/2026: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., The Heights Golf Club, 16066 Bernardo Heights Pkwy
10/8/2026: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Feeding San Diego, 9477 Waples St, Suite 100
10/12/2026: 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Cathedral Catholic High School, 5555 Del Mar Heights Rd
10/14/2026: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., 655 West Broadway, 655 W Broadway
San Marcos
10/7/2026: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Mission Hills Church, 400 Mission Hills Court
10/13/2026: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., The Lodge at Lake San Marcos, 1105 La Bonita Dr
Vista
10/20/2026: 10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Shadowridge Golf Club, 1980 Gateway Dr
10/23/2026: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., Guajome Park Academy, 2000 N Santa Fe
The Red Cross is the primary provider to over 130 hospitals in Southern California including 20 San Diego hospitals. In addition to providing lifesaving blood products, the Red Cross mobilizes relief to families affected by disasters, trains people in lifesaving skills and provides services to U.S. military personnel and their families. Donors can feel good knowing that by supporting the Red Cross, they can help family and friends in their communities and across the country.
How to donate blood
A blood donor card or 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 pounds 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.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
# # #
*while supplies last, restrictions apply, see ticket for additional details or https://seaworld.com/san-diego/events/howl-o-scream/.
**blood drive dates and times subject to change
Support all the urgent humanitarian needs of the American Red Cross.
Find a drive and schedule a blood donation appointment today.
Your time and talent can make a real difference in people’s lives. Discover the role that's right for you and join us today!
