The city of Tehachapi received recognition from local leaders after hosting their 25th blood drive with Houchin Community Blood Bank. Representatives from Senator Shannon Grove and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy’s offices were at the West Park in Tehachapi to honor city officials, the Tehachapi Valley Recreation and Parks Department, and Houchin Community Blood Bank for their efforts over the past 18 months holding blood drives in the city.

Over 850 blood, plasma, and platelet donors in Tehachapi stepped up to potentially save over 2,500 lives, according to officials.

Houchin Chief Operating Officer Martin Alonzo says their need is critical and when other partners were cancelling drives during the pandemic, Tehachapi wanted to increase drives.