For the first time in almost two years, Houchin Community Blood Bank is hosting a blood drive on the BC campus.

Houchin opened its doors in 1951, saving countless lives through blood, platelets, and plasma donations. They have partnered with multiple organizations and companies throughout Kern County, and are able to provide numerous benefits and incentives for people to donate more blood in our community.

The Blood Drive will take place on Mon., March 14, from 9 am – 4 pm. The Houchin bloodmobile will be parked on campus outside of the dining area. When speaking to Nicole Alvarez, who is one of the program leaders at BC’s Student Life, she said that their hope is to hit 100 donations. She also stated that “every 2 seconds someone in the US needs blood. There is a critical shortage of all blood types (and) when you donate you are saving lives.” As an incentive for donating, every donor will receive a complementary pair of Houchin socks and a voucher for a free haircut at Sport Clips.

It is not too late to sign up. If you want to donate and help save lives, don’t hesitate to sign up for this blood drive at the Bakersfield College Website. If you also want to help at any time, call your nearest Houchin location and make an appointment to donate blood, platelets, or plasm. The local blood banks can definitely use it.