‘Pint for a Pass’ Blood Drive Launch

The Big Fresno Fair and the Central California Blood Center are teaming up for the return of the 16th Annual “Pint for a Pass” Blood Drive, launching on Aug. 25. Donate blood from the launch date to Oct. 18 at any Central California Blood Center or mobile drive and you’ll get BOGO fair admission for the 2026 Big Fresno Fair, plus be entered to win concert and Grandstand entertainment tickets. Plus, you’ll be treated to a free corn dog and kettle corn.

“PINT FOR A PASS” BLOOD DRIVE IMPACT

In 2025, the “Pint for a Pass” Blood Drive resulted in over 8,281 pints of blood being collected, which brings the 15-year total to more than 139,321 pints of blood collected! This blood had the potential to save up to 383,207 lives, each pint of blood has the potential to save up to three lives.

The Central California Blood Center provides blood and blood products to hospitals in Fresno, Tulare, Madera, Kings and Mariposa Counties and must collect between 5,000 to 6,000 pints of blood a month to meet the needs of our Valley community.

DONATING BLOOD – FACTS & TIPS

• Blood donation takes less than one hour to complete and donors can give blood once every eight weeks.
• Donors must be in good general health, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and be at least 18 years old (16 or 17 years old with written parental consent).
• Senior citizens are encouraged to donate, as there is no upper age limit.
• If you got a new tattoo within the last twelve months, you can still donate! As long as it was done by state regulated entity that follows all mandated safety protocols!
• While all blood is needed and welcome, Type O blood is frequently in short supply and in high demand by hospitals. Why? Type O negative blood is the universal type needed for emergency transfusions.
• Type AB Negative are the rarest around the country with only 0.6% of people being carriers.
• Don’t know your blood type? The easiest way to find out is by donating blood!