Beyond the Badge, Community Involvement

RJD staff roll up sleeves to donate blood

Two RJD staff members donating.

RJ Donovan (RJD) Correctional Facility staff members rolled up their sleeves to support the community by donating life-saving blood to the San Diego Blood Bank.

The successful blood drive was held Aug. 4.

Oscar Labiano, Territorial Manager of the San Diego Blood Bank, praised the facility’s effort and impact.

“Because of your dedication and deep empathy, we achieved something miraculous,” Labiano said.

He went on to thank the staff for their vital contributions to the regional blood supply.

Blood-drive performance highlights

The event saw a strong turnout from staff members determined to make a difference.

  • Registered donors: 36 staff members signed up to participate.
  • Total collections: 31 life-saving units of blood were successfully collected.
  • Whole blood: 29 units were drawn from standard donations.
  • Double Red Cell (2RBC): One donor contributed a double red-cell donation, yielding two units.

Impact on the San Diego community

Every unit of blood collected has the potential to save up to three lives. Thanks to the generosity of the RJD staff, this single drive will ripple out to touch and save up to 93 lives in the San Diego region, including our local children, mothers, fathers, and friends.

“The blood drive demonstrated selflessness and community dedication of RJD staff,” said organizers.

Submitted by Lt. K. Cottrell


Follow CDCR on YouTube, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter).

See more community involvement stories.

Related content

A CCI registered nurse and a custody staff member talk to Tehachapi high school students during career day.

CCI staff participates in high school career day

Staff from California Correctional Institution (CCI) recently participated in the annual Tehachapi High School career day, giving students a firsthand…

Read More
CDCR staff gather across California to honor the victims of the 9/11 terror attacks after 25 years.

CDCR remembers lives lost 25 years after 9/11 attacks

Across California, CDCR paid tribute to the lives lost during the 9/11 terror attacks. Staff and communities united to remember…

Read More
California Institution for Men, Warden Eric Mejia and California Institution for Women, Warden Sonia Padilla were invited to throw the ceremonial first pitch at the Ontario Tower Buzzers minor league baseball game.

CIW, CIM wardens throw ceremonial first pitches

Before a packed crowd at Ontario’s ONT Field, wardens from two institutions threw out the ceremonial first pitches. California Institution…

Read More