3,300 Pints Of Blood Collected At San Diego Comic-Con Blood Drive

SAN DIEGO, CA — Thousands of Comic-Con fans rolled up their sleeves to donate blood during the Robert A. Heinlein Blood Drive at Comic-Con International.

Approximately 3,300 pints of blood were collected at the 49th annual drive, which ran from Wednesday through Sunday at the Manchester Grand Hyatt in San Diego. Donors received a limited-edition "Marvel Fantastic 4" T-shirt.

The drive is the San Diego Blood Bank's largest and longest-running blood drive.

"This outstanding achievement reflects the spirit of generosity and community that defines this long-standing tradition," San Diego Blood Bank CEO Douglas Morton said in a statement. "We are profoundly grateful for our enduring partnership with Comic-Con and for every donor who rolled up their sleeves to make a difference."

This year's theme, inspired by the "Fantastic 4" movie release, invited Comic-Con attendees and the community to unleash their inner heroes and make a lifesaving impact, according to the San Diego Blood Bank.

"We are very happy to continue our long tradition of helping the San Diego Blood Bank meet its critical needs," Comic-Con spokesperson David Glanzer said. "The many attendees and fans who give blood for such a worthy cause is both an inspiration and a motivating factor for others to take part as well. We are happy to once again be a part of this wonderful effort."

Since 1976, the annual blood drive has helped collect more than 93,000 pints of blood that has potentially impacted more than 279,000 lives over the course of the last 49 years, according to San Diego Blood Bank.

The organization is offering the Comic-Con T-shirt to anyone who donates at a San Diego Blood Bank donor center or mobile blood drive through Aug. 31, while supplies last.

Eligible donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in generally good health. Appointments will be honored first, but walk-ins are welcome.

Schedule an appointment at sandiegobloodbank.org or by calling 619-400-8251.