Santee UMC partners with Red Cross, Blood

Santee UMC conducts Blood Drive in partnership with the American Red Cross. (photo by The Impression That I Get on flickr.com)

The Santee United Methodist Church answers to the growing need for blood supply in Southern California. It partners with the American Red Cross and conducts a Blood Drive regularly.

Blood Drives at Santee UMC

Santee United Methodist Church and American Red Cross teamed up for the mission of saving lives. According to its website, Santee UMC will hold Blood Drives at the church on specific Mondays from 2 p.m. – 7 p.m.

As stated on Santee UMC's website, everyone is encouraged to schedule an appointment at www.redcrossblood.org. Donors need to type in sponsor code: 1TREC or call 1 -800- 733-2767. According to the church announcement, it only takes an hour to donate, and the need for blood is a daily challenge in Southern California.

Santee UMC encourages those in general good health and weighing more than 110 lbs. to save lives by donating blood. The next Blood Drive at Santee UMC is on Feb. 7.

Santee UMC is among the churches conducting Blood Drives across San Diego County.

Blood Crisis in California

According to an article, Red Cross Declares 'Blood Crisis'; Where To Donate In San Diego, doctors in California are delaying blood transfusions for those who need them. This delay is due to the current dire blood shortages that the Red Cross faces.

As stated in this article dated Jan. 19, 2022, the American Red Cross is facing its worst blood shortage in more than a decade. This shortage is happening as the omicron variant cases surge in San Diego and other cities nationwide.

In a statement, the Red Cross called the shortage a "national blood crisis that forced doctors to delay life–saving treatment for those in need. In response to this challenge, Red Cross asked Americans to donate blood as soon as possible to "prevent further delays in vital medical treatments."

Santee United Methodist Church

"Belonging. Becoming. Being"

The church is located at 8964 N., Magnolia Ave., Santee, as per its website. Worship happens at 9:30 a.m. Still, from its website, Rev. Jaime Pangman is the pastor at Santee UMC.

Mission, Service at Santee UMC

Santee UMC's mission is anchored to the United Methodist Church mission – to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. It envisions a community in Christ that reaches out, accepts all people, and transforms lives.

As shared on its web page, the church is currently engaged in various missions and services for the community. Community Pancake Breakfast, Interfaith Shelter, Meals on Wheels, and Santee Food Bank are among these services and tasks.

During the pandemic, Community Pancake Breakfast provides take-out pancake breakfast. This breakfast is free to the public on the first Sat. of every month at 8 a.m. in the church's Fellowship Hall.

Santee UMC collects food for the food bank during worship – first Sun. of every month. Meanwhile, the church's Interfaith Shelter provides seasonal rotational shelter for the homeless throughout the winter season.

The church serves with Meals on Wheels through daily food delivery to the elderly and sick in Santee.