The San Joaquin County Mosquito & Vector Control District is inviting the community to roll up a sleeve for a lifesaving cause during National Mosquito Control Awareness Week.
In partnership with the American Red Cross, the District will host a community blood drive on Thursday, June 25, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Robert Cabral Agricultural Center, located at 2101 E. Earhart Ave. in Stockton.
The blood drive is being held in recognition of National Mosquito Control Awareness Week, observed June 21-27, a time dedicated to educating the public about mosquito prevention and the important role mosquito control agencies play in protecting community health.
This year’s message comes with a clever reminder: “Starve” a mosquito — donate blood and save human lives.
While mosquitoes take blood for a very different reason, the District is encouraging residents to turn that idea into something positive by donating blood to help patients in need throughout the region. According to the American Red Cross, someone in the United States needs blood every two seconds, and blood supplies must be continually replenished through volunteer donors. A single blood donation can help save multiple lives.
All blood types are needed, especially O negative, A negative, and B negative.
District Manager Omar Khweiss emphasized that blood donation also connects to broader public health efforts. Because donated blood is screened for infectious diseases, including mosquito-borne illnesses such as West Nile virus, those screenings can help public health officials monitor disease activity and support local prevention work.
“Voluntary blood donations serve a critical role in the realm of public health,” Khweiss said, noting that disease screening helps alert the District so it can respond with its mission of “Protection Through Prevention.”
The District is also using the week to remind residents that everyone can take simple steps to reduce mosquito breeding and protect themselves from mosquito bites.
Public Information Officer Sumiko De La Vega said donating blood may not literally deprive mosquitoes, but residents can still “starve mosquitoes of a blood meal” by wearing protective clothing and using an EPA-registered insect repellent when outdoors.
Residents are encouraged to follow the District’s “Drain, Deter, Dress and Defend” guidance:
Drain standing water around your yard every week, and encourage neighbors to do the same. Even a small amount of water can produce mosquitoes.
Deter mosquitoes by using an EPA-registered insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus, and always follow label directions.
Dress in loose-fitting clothing, including long sleeves and pants when practical.
Defend your home by keeping window and door screens in good repair to prevent mosquitoes from getting indoors.
Blood donation appointments can be made by visiting www.sjmosquito.org, clicking the blood drive banner, and using sponsor code SJmosquito. For assistance, residents may call the District at (209) 982-4675.
Those unable to donate blood can still participate in National Mosquito Control Awareness Week by following the District on Facebook and Instagram at @sjmosquitoandvector, sharing educational posts, and taking mosquito prevention steps at home.
The San Joaquin County Mosquito & Vector Control District serves communities throughout San Joaquin County through mosquito surveillance, vector control, disease monitoring, public education, and integrated vector management programs.
For more information, visit www.sjmosquito.org or call (209) 982-4675.