Malibu Blood Drive Draws Donors From as Far as Oxnard

More than three dozen people attended a community blood drive put on by the City of Malibu and the Red Cross at Malibu City Hall on Thursday.

Local residents, people who work in the community and some visitors took part in the drive which began at 10 a.m and concluded at 4 p.m.

Stephanie Vazquez, a student at California State University Northridge, came with a group of friends all the way from Oxnard, to donate blood on their way to the beach.

"It hurt a little, but overall it was fine," Vazquez said. "I think it's an important thing to do and I definitely plan on doing it again."  

Jason Ernst, who works in Malibu, came by the event during a break.

"I was a little bit worried about the needle at first, but it turned out it was an easy thing to do," Ernst said. "I got to lay down and relax and feel good about what I was doing."

For their time, participants received a complementary ticket for two to the Laugh Factory and a Wahoo's free taco coupon; and they were also entered into a regional summer fun drawing. 

Theresa Odello, the recreation coordinator for the City of Malibu who organized the drive, called the event a success.

"We're way above our goal for today," Odello said. "Thirty-four people made reservations beforehand to come, and we also have had some walk-ins throughout the day."

Last time the city hosted a blood drive only 13 people made reservations beforehand and 24 people came to the event.

Odello credited the larger turnout to a competition among the city departments to see which one could get the most people signed up to participate. 

"Once you have a competition, that always drives the numbers up," Odello said. "Before the competition the number of people signed up was hovering around 20, and after [the competition] we got over 10 new donors."

Regina Martinez, a biomedical technician for Red Cross explained why donors are so important.

"In the hospitals you have cancer patients, premature babies, accidents that happen every day on the freeways," Martinez said. "There's not enough blood to go around and save everybody. That's why it's so important to give."

Martinez added that donated blood goes first to local hospitals.

"It basically stays here," she said, "and then if we need any or if other countries need any, we'll send it out."

Odelle said that the City of Malibu will be hosting more blood drives in the future.

"We definitely need to do it again," Odelle said. "The need is always there, and its just an easy thing that people can donate to without having to spend money."