The Bakersfield Voice

By: Tracy Hunter

As our community and city continues to develop and expand, we are consistently reminded that an increase in blood donations and blood products become more and more necessary. Houchin Blood Bank is the only blood bank in Kern County that supplies the total blood needs of all area hospitals, private cancer centers, blood disease treatment facilities, dialysis centers and home health agencies that specialize in home transfusion medicine.

With a growing population of nearly 800,000, the fact remains that only 3 percent of our population donates blood. With only 3 percent of our donors supplying 100 percent of the needed blood, we are often faced with blood shortages.

Why is it important to give blood? Blood products have a limited shelf life. Red blood cells have a shelf life of only 42 days and platelets have a shelf life of only five days. We do not have the luxury of running to the store when our shelves are empty. We completely depend on selfless volunteers to give the gift of life. One unit of blood can save three lives. That single unit is processed through our manufacturing and distribution center and can be separated into three products (red blood cells, platelets and plasma). Each of these products is then distributed to three different patients ultimately sustaining three lives.

At some point in everyone’s life you or a loved one will need blood. Our lives can change in an instant. What if your family was in a serious car accident or a new born baby needed surgery? It is usually a tragic event or an unfortunately medical diagnosis that suddenly changes our lives, and only then does one ask, “What can I do?”

The truth is that people need blood everyday. Houchin needs 150 units per day to sustain an adequate blood supply for Kern County, yet after the holidays donations typically drop to only 55 percent of needed requirements. We are challenged and committed to educating our public with community awareness on the need for blood donations.

Houchin Blood Bank is always proud to partner with local businesses and organizations that understand the need for life-saving blood. Community awareness is vital to increasing our donor population. January is National Blood Donor Month and a great opportunity for businesses and organizations to consider getting involved with Houchin Blood Bank. No matter how large or small an organization may be, there are ways to get involved through sponsorship opportunities. Donating blood should be a way of life. Keeping your donation appointment should be just as important as keeping your hair or dental appointment. It’s just that simple.

Blood shortages occur frequently. In addition to sporadic shortages resulting from unexpected disasters, regular shortages occur during the summer and winter holidays. This is due to a lack of high school blood drives and an increase in vacation and travel schedules.

Additionally, Houchin now offers new technology known as Trima. This equipment allows donors to give multiple products during one visit. For those whose schedule only allows them to come in a couple of times a year, donating double reds is now an option.

Houchin Blood Bank is committed to the blood needs of this community. We encourage every individual, business, club or organization to consider being a part of this life-saving organization in 2008. We challenge your business or organization to book a mobile or blood drive event in support of your community blood bank. January is a month when we all resolve to make a difference in the coming year. Consider Houchin in 2008!

Houchin Blood Bank presents:
Super Bowl Fans Save Lives!
Jan. 28 through Feb. 2
Donors will enter into a drawing for a chance to win a big screen television sponsored by Setton Farms. Donors will also receive a free meal coupon offered by Hodel’s Country Dining, 5917 Knudsen Drive, while supplies last.

Donation locations and times:

• Houchin Community Blood Bank
5901 Truxtun Ave.
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Thursday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• Bakersfield High School
2600 G St.
Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.