BrightStar Care of The Monterey Peninsula Supports Local Blood Drives at Hilltop Park Center (Feb. 5–6)
Hospitals across the U.S. are facing a serious blood shortage—and when supplies run low, patients here at home can feel the impact quickly. The American Red Cross recently declared a severe blood shortage, noting that nationwide donations dropped sharply and inventories have fallen significantly as hospital demand outpaces supply. (Red Cross)
At BrightStar Care of the Monterey Peninsula, we believe caring for our community means stepping up in moments like this. That’s why we’re encouraging our neighbors, partners, and local businesses to support upcoming blood drives in Monterey—and, if you’re eligible, to donate.
Why this shortage matters
Blood can’t be manufactured. Every unit comes from someone who shows up and gives. When donations decline—especially during winter storms and flu season—blood drives are canceled, donors stay home, and supplies drop at the very moment hospitals often see increased patient needs. (Red Cross)
A low blood supply affects the ability to care for people who may need transfusions urgently or repeatedly, including:
- Trauma and emergency patients
- People undergoing cancer treatment
- Individuals with chronic blood disorders
- Patients living with sickle cell disease (Red Cross)
In other words: donating blood is one of the most direct ways to help save lives—often in just an hour.
Local blood donation opportunities in Monterey
Two community blood drives are coming up at Hilltop Park Center in Monterey in partnership with Vitalant:
- Thursday, February 5, 2026 — 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Friday, February 6, 2026 — 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
- Location: Hilltop Park Center, 871 Jessie Street, Monterey, CA 93940
How to register: The City of Monterey Recreation program has posted registration information and links through their social channels (including the Monterey Recreation Facebook page). (Facebook)
Tip: Appointments help keep wait times down and make donation day smoother for everyone.
How BrightStar Care is showing up
BrightStar Care of The Monterey Peninsula is proud to support these local drives by:
- Sharing verified donation details with our community and care network
- Encouraging our staff, friends, and families (who are eligible) to donate
- Promoting awareness of how shortages impact patient care—especially seniors and medically fragile individuals who may rely on hospital services
We see every day how quickly health needs can change. Having blood available when it’s needed is a quiet, critical part of a safe and responsive healthcare system.
Thinking about donating? Here are a few quick reminders
While eligibility rules vary by donation type and organization, a few universal tips can help you have a good experience:
- Hydrate the day before and day of your appointment
- Eat a healthy meal beforehand (don’t donate on an empty stomach)
- Bring your ID and allow some extra time for check-in
- Rest afterward and avoid intense exercise the same day
If you’re unsure whether you can donate, check the donor eligibility guidance during registration.
If you can’t donate, you can still help
Not everyone can give blood—and that’s okay. Here are other meaningful ways to support:
- Recruit a friend and go together
- Share the drive details on social media or in group chats
- Encourage workplace participation (team sign-ups can make a big difference)
- Help with transportation for someone who wants to donate
One post, one conversation, or one ride can translate into more lifesaving appointments.
Join us in supporting Monterey’s blood drives
If you’re able, please consider donating on February 5 or February 6 at Hilltop Park Center. Your donation could help a neighbor you’ll never meet—or someone you love.
BrightStar Care of The Monterey Peninsula is honored to stand with our community during this shortage. Let’s show Monterey’s strength the way we always do: by caring for each other.
Contact us today to learn more about our home health services! Our office is located at 2511 Garden Rd Suite C250, Monterey, CA 93940. You may also call us at 831-215-2077.