The San Diego Chargers have a strong relationship with the San Diego Blood Bank that dates back 38 years. In fact, the Bolts' annual blood drive is the largest of it's kind in the country.
Their relationship will be taken to the next level with an all new Blood Bank Donor Wellness Center housed in the downtown convention center and stadium. It's the latest example of how the proposed project will impact San Diego on a daily basis.
"Today's Blood Bank announcement is extra special because it speaks to the vision the Chargers have to create a facility that is so much more than just a stadium or convention center space," said Chargers Director of Public Affairs & Corporate/Community Relations Kimberley Layton. "It speaks to the team's vision of utilizing the proposed new downtown facility to further expand our long-standing community traditions and broaden our critical community partnerships – like the Blood Bank - in ways we would never be able to without this new facility.
"Since its inception, the Chargers Community Foundation has alone provided more than $15 million into this community for school programs, athletics and health and wellness programs. This new Blood Donor Center in partnership with the San Diego Blood Bank will assist us in taking those efforts right to the next level."
According to San Diego Blood Bank CEO David Wellis, being located in the new facility will maximize its impact on the community.
"Since 1950, our mission was been to save lives with quality blood services in partnership with the community," he said. "One of our longest running partnerships is with the San Diego Chargers…Not only will this donor center allow us to collect more units of blood, but also to support our vision of having a greater role in our community's health."
Housing the new Blood Bank Donor Wellness Center in the downtown facility is particularly meaningful for Susie Spanos.
"We never know when the need for blood will arise," she said. "I needed blood after an ectopic pregnancy, and am alive because of the blood I received. When I look at the faces of all the people of San Diego coming together for such an important lifesaving cause, my heart is full of gratitude and pride. I'm so proud of San Diego and our community, and with the new blood center at the new Chargers stadium, it's going to be one of the greatest assets for all of San Diego."
Paid for by Vote Yes on C, with major funding by Chargers Football Company, LLC.
