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# Ringling Bros. circus blood drive offers free tickets to blood donors
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/061505-story-20050615-2/
- Published: 2005-06-15T15:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-23T07:15:23.000Z
- Author: Guest Author
- Tags: Health, Santa Monica, #archive-import

*By Daily Press staff*

Giving blood can be a real circus. The first annual Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Blood Drive will take place in conjunction with the Southern California Hospital Recruitment Alliance. Anyone who donates at any of the participating SCHRA hospitals will receive a voucher for one free ticket to an LA or Orange County performance of the 135th edition of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus this July.

With the summer season approaching, hospitals throughout Los Angeles typically reach a critical shortage level, posing a potential danger to residents in need of blood, health care officials say. Although 90 percent of Americans will require a blood transfusion at some point in their lifetime, fewer than 5 percent of eligible donors actually give blood, officials say. In order to donate blood, eligible donors must bring identification; be at least 17 years of age (or 16 with parental consent); weigh a minimum of 110 pounds; and be in good health. Donors should eat at least two to three hours before donating blood and drink plenty of fluids. Individuals are eligible to donate blood as often as every eight weeks.

Saint John’s Health Center, one of 10 Southern California area hospitals participating, will have its blood drive on Friday, June 17, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 2020 Santa Monica Blvd., third floor, conference rooms D and E. Appointments are recommended and can be made by calling (310) 829-8025.

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on June 15, 2005.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/061505.pdf?ref=smdp.com)