BAKERSFIELD, Calif.(KBAK/KBFX) — The Houchin Community Blood Bank, which recently aided Los Angeles-area hospitals during wildfires, is now facing its own crisis.
As it marks its 75th year, the blood bank is urgently seeking donations, particularly O-positive and O-negative blood types, which are crucial in emergencies.
“We went in with 420 units of O blood type. And currently right now, after the holiday season passed, we actually do not have any,” said Anna Kazaryan from Houchin.
The Houchin Community Blood Bank in Bakersfield is actively seeking more O- negative and O-positive blood type donors. KBAK/KBFX
The bank’s shelves are empty following the holiday travel period, a typically slow time for donations.
Donating is straightforward; individuals can visit any Houchin location with identification.
The donation process takes about five to 10 minutes.
Blood donor at the Houchin Community Blood Bank in Bakersfield. It takes donors about a year and a half to donate one full gallon of blood. The blood bank is actively seeking more O- negative and O-positive blood type donors. KBAK/KBFX
“We are just kind of the stewards of the blood bank, but we need the entire community as their partnership to be able to make sure that we have a safe, reliable blood supply here for our community,” Kazaryan added.
Houchin’s impact extends beyond Kern County, participating in a national program to provide support during emergencies.
Locally, the bank operates four mobile blood buses, with an upcoming drive in Tehachapi on Jan. 28.
Blood donations are stored at the Houchin Community Blood Bank in Bakersfield. It takes donors about a year and a half to donate one full gallon of blood. The blood bank is actively seeking more O- negative and O-positive blood type donors. KBAK/KBFX
“One of the great things about the city of Tehachapi is that at their annual blood drive, they also do platelets there,” said Gina from Houchin, highlighting the importance of platelets for cancer patients.
To celebrate its anniversary, Houchin is offering special donor promotions this January.
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More information and appointments can be found at hcbb.com.