BAKERSFIELD, CA. - Houchin Community Blood Bank is reaching out to the community for O- platelets, desperately needed to help save the life of a local newborn.
Houchin has been trying to find O- platelets from sister locations around the state but supplies are severly low, according to Greg Gallion, President and CEO.
"Regular donors are unable to give right now, so we are collecting only half the platelets we need on a daily basis. Also frightening is the fact we have less than a week's supply of many blood types, a level so low it could get wiped out with just one serious accident," said Gallion.
Houchin would like anyone in the community with O-, A-, B- and O+ blood in particular to come in to donate.
"Blood components on the shelves are what save lives, and these cannot be made for human transfusion except through the contributions of willing volunteers at the blood bank", Gallion added.
He adds that even those that do not know their blood type should still come in because supplies are low.
According to Houchin, "blood and platelet donors must weigh 110 pounds, and be 17 years of age or older. All it takes is good health and a photo ID with date of birth to get started. Sixteen year olds can only donate blood, and must have a completed parental consent form available at www.hcbb.com."
Platelet donors should call 661-616-2505 for an appointment, all others are urged to just walk in. There are two donation centers in Bakersfield, one at 5901 Truxtun Avenue and the other at 11515 Bolthouse Drive across from St. John's Lutheran Church. Hours at Truxtun are open Monday through Wednesday from 9 am to 6 pm, Thursday from 11 am to 7 pm, and Saturday from 8 am to 2 pm. Bolthouse is open Monday through Thursday, 11 am to 7 pm, Friday from 9 am to 6 pm, and Saturday from 8 am to 2 pm. Both centers are closed on Sundays. For more information call 661-323-4222.