Irvine, CA - In an effort to address the growing blood supply crisis in Orange County, the City of Irvine and UCI Health are partnering together to host a blood drive event Wednesday, December 20, 9 a.m.–3 p.m., at the Irvine Civic Center. Donations received will help provide critical care for patients at UCI Medical Center.

Donors will receive a $10 gift card to either Target, In-N-Out Burger, or Starbucks, plus a newly designed blood donor t-shirt or beanie, and an opportunity to enter a raffle for a holiday gift basket, courtesy of UCI Health. Appointments are suggested but not required and can be made in advance online at cityofirvine.org/blooddrive. Walk-ins will also be accepted.

The UCI Medical Center is the only Level 1 Trauma Center in Orange County and transfuses over 1,000 units of blood every month. Cancer patients, people who have experienced severe trauma such as an auto accident, and babies in the NICU make up a high percentage of those receiving blood every day. In order to meet this critical demand, UCI Medical Center needs at least 1,000 people to donate blood each month to provide appropriate care for people in our community.

Irvine Civic Center is located at 1 Civic Center in Irvine. For more information about eligibility, safety, common questions about blood drives, and to book an appointment, visit cityofirvine.org/blooddrive.