Vitalant and San Diego Blood Bank have agreed to merge in a move aimed at expanding community blood services and strengthening blood supply operations across Southern California.

Under the agreement, which has been approved by the boards of directors of both nonprofit organisations, San Diego Blood Bank will become a subsidiary of Vitalant following completion of the transaction. The merger is expected to close by mid-2026, subject to regulatory review.

The organisations said the combination is intended to bring together Vitalant’s national scale with San Diego Blood Bank’s regional presence, with a focus on supporting hospitals, donors and patients through expanded operational capacity and infrastructure.

Douglas Morton, CEO of San Diego Blood Bank, said the agreement reflects a shared focus on long-term service continuity and resilience. “This partnership brings together the national reach and resources of Vitalant with San Diego Blood Bank’s deep regional expertise and trusted community relationships,” Morton said. “Partnering with Vitalant now helps to further strengthen the impact of our mission. Together, we will unlock new opportunities to serve our community and enhance the resiliency of our blood supply, while continuing our unwavering commitment to donors, volunteers, hospitals, and patients.”

San Diego Blood Bank has operated in Southern California for more than seven decades, supplying blood products and related services to healthcare providers in the region. Under the proposed structure, the organisation will retain its name and Morton will continue in his role as ceo following completion of the merger.

Vitalant said the transaction will allow it to extend its capabilities in transfusion medicine and related services while maintaining local leadership and governance during the transition period. A dedicated transition board of directors will be established to oversee integration activities and ensure continuity of service.

David Green, CEO of Vitalant, said the organisation plans to build on San Diego Blood Bank’s existing operations rather than replace them. “San Diego Blood Bank has served Southern California for 75 years,” Green said. “We look forward to building upon that legacy, offering our national resources and capabilities in transfusion medicine and biotherapies to enhance healthcare delivery. We’re grateful to both boards of directors for recognizing this opportunity to be stronger, together.”

The merger comes at a time when blood services organisations are under increasing pressure to maintain stable supply chains amid fluctuating donor participation and rising hospital demand. By combining infrastructure, donor networks and operational systems, the two organisations said they aim to improve efficiency and preparedness while continuing to operate as nonprofit entities.

Following completion of the transaction, both organisations said their priority will be a phased and structured integration designed to minimise disruption for donors, hospital partners and patients. Morton said the focus would remain on community impact throughout the process. “We are dedicated to a smooth transition that prioritizes the needs of our community,” he said. “Together, we are stronger and better positioned to save and improve lives across Southern California and beyond.”

No changes to donor eligibility or hospital service arrangements have been announced as part of the agreement, and both organisations said further updates will be provided as the regulatory review progresses.