Longtime UCOP blood donors Jan Kehoe (left), a retiree, and Trish Dolan, senior design analyst, take a selfie after participating in the July 22, 2025, Red Cross Blood Drive in Oakland.

On Tuesday, July 22, 47 UCOP staff members participated in a Red Cross Blood Drive in Oakland. Together, they donated 44 units of blood. Since each unit can help save up to three lives, these donations may provide crucial support for up to 132 people in need of surgery, cancer treatment or transfusions following traumatic injuries.

Blood drives are vitally important, as there is no substitute for blood, and it can’t be manufactured.

The history of blood drives at UCOP Oakland

UCOP held its first Red Cross Blood Drive almost 25 years ago — on Nov. 13, 2000. Since then (with the exception of pandemic office closures), UCOP has proudly hosted five drives each year.

Today’s events are organized by retiree Jan Kehoe, who has long been passionate about the critical importance of blood donations. “I’m thrilled to bring blood drives back to UCOP, continuing our commitment to public service and supporting the health and well-being of Californians,” says Jan.

Fun facts about UCOP blood drives

• About a dozen of UCOP’s frequent blood donation volunteers have been donating for more than a decade. Trish Dolan has been donating since our very first drive!
• Our most successful drive to date was the Oct. 1, 2009, event, during which we collected 56 units of blood. Since then, the goal has been to once again reach 50.
• The last blood donation event before the Oakland offices closed for the pandemic took place on Feb. 27, 2020. While offices were closed, many UCOP staff continued to support the Red Cross by donating at blood centers in their local communities.
• In the early days, the Red Cross bus parked in front of the EBMUD building, and donors crossed the street to give blood in a very limited space. Today, we host our drives in Lobby 1 of the Oakland Franklin building, a more spacious and welcoming location with room to grow.

Participate in the September 2025 blood drive

The next UCOP blood drive will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 30. Our goal is to collect 50+ units, which means that more colleagues are needed. Give back and help us reach our goal!

It’s easy to participate. Email Jan Kehoe to express your interest and make an appointment on Sept. 30 that works with your schedule.

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