Houchin Community Blood Bank is putting out a call for O-positive and O-negative blood donations as its stores run low.

While blood centers across the U.S. continue to face challenges maintaining adequate blood inventories, Houchin said, the impact is being felt in Kern County.

“The need became even more apparent last week when Houchin Community Blood Bank was activated through the Blood Emergency Readiness Corps (BERC) to assist with a national emergency response following the mass shooting in Midland, Texas,” a Houchin news release said. “As part of the activation, Houchin joined other blood centers across the country in helping support blood inventory needs after multiple victims required emergency medical treatment.”

The release said this activation serves as a reminder that blood donated here can save people’s lives half the country away, not just locally.

“Blood cannot be manufactured. It can only come from volunteer donors,” said Houchin Community Blood Bank CEO Jonathan Bautista. “Last week, we were called upon to help support a national emergency response.”

Type-O blood is among the most the most useful blood products, the release said, with O-negative blood being especially useful, as it can be used in emergency situations when a patient’s blood type is unknown. O-positive blood is the most commonly transfused blood type and is used daily to support trauma patients, surgeries, cancer treatments, and other lifesaving medical procedures, the release says.

The release said Houchin recently launched “The O-Team,” a new donor recognition program designed specifically for O-positive and O-negative donors.

O-Team members can earn rewards as they continue donating: a welcome punch card and collectible O-Team pin for the first donation, double entries into select Houchin giveaways for the second, an exclusive O-Team T-shirt for the third, a premium insulated tumbler for the fourth, and a $50 e-gift card for the fifth.

Community members who know they have Type-O blood are encouraged to schedule an appointment as soon as possible, the release said, but individuals who do not know their blood type are also encouraged to donate.

Those interested in donating or learning more are encouraged to visit hcbb.com, the release said, or call the Blood Bank.