On Tuesday, May 25, Houchin Community Blood Bank (HCBB) partnered with the City of Tehachapi and the Tehachapi Valley Recreation and Parks District (TVRPD) on the fourth Tehachapi-wide blood drive of 2021.

The drive collected 35 units of blood and had six first-time donors! More than 165 people have donated blood this year at the four Tehachapi drives in 2021.

"The Tehachapi community continues to come out and donate each time we have a blood drive. Our collaboration with Houchin and TVRPD should be an example of something positive when the community, private business and government agencies all work together with a common goal in mind, helping those that are in need," said Key Budge event coordinator for the City of Tehachapi.

All blood donated at these community drives stays in Kern County. "Tehachapi helped save more than 100 lives with the donations made at this drive, it's amazing how much the community cares," said Kristel Pollock, community development coordinator HCBB.

Houchin Community Blood Bank returns to the City of Tehachapi on Tuesday, July 27, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at West Park, 490 W. D Street.

Blood donations save lives, people need blood following severe accidents, surgery, cancer and severe anemia. One unit of blood can help save up to three lives. Information on becoming a blood, platelet and plasma donor can be found on their website http://www.HCBB.com.