Houchin Hosting First Responder Blood Drive Competition

Houchin Hosting First Responder Blood Drive Competition

Throughout the month of July, donate blood and help your favorite first responder organization win. Formerly the Battle of the Badges, Houchin is holding the first Answer The Call Blood Drive.

The full release can be seen below:

KERN COUNTY, CA – Our first responders continue to serve our community in many ways whether it’s on or off the clock. During the month of July, Houchin Community Blood Bank (HCBB) is partnering with our local first responders to save lives for this year’s Answer the Call Blood Drive.

Not only is this blood drive a friendly competition between the different departments around Kern County, but it also provides an opportunity to create awareness about the ongoing blood shortage our community is facing. In support of this challenge, the following departments will be participating: Bakersfield Police Department, Bakersfield Fire Department, Hall Ambulance, Kern County Fire Department, California Highway Patrol, and Kern County’s Sheriff department.

“Blood is our most precious resource that has to be made readily available to everyone. Without the support from our local donors and first responders, crash victims and those needing blood could suffer. Your donation today can help save lives!” said Officer Rodriguez, California Highway Patrol.

Looking back at September of 2021, many of our First Responder community leaders joined HCBB in the launch of the Blood Emergency Readiness Corps (BERC). BERC is composed of numerous blood centers from across the U.S. that have committed to reserving extra units of blood on a rotating, “on-call” schedule for any critical-need scenario, such as a natural disaster or mass casualty event.

Our first responders see firsthand of the importance of having blood readily available. Therefore, the program BERC is being connected to the Answer the Call Blood Drive to show that the blood already on the shelves is what helps during an emergency situation where blood needs are high.

There is a trophy at stake for the Answer the Call Blood Drive competition, so each donation counts whether you’re a first responder, family, friend, or supporter. In order for a donor’s donation to count towards a specific department, they’ll need to state one of the following codes when registering to donate at a HCBB mobile or donor center:

  • Bakersfield Police: 11                                                          •  Kern County Sheriff: 49
  • Bakersfield City Fire: 331                                                    •  Kern County Fire: 48
  • Hall Ambulance: 152                                                           •  California Highway Patrol: V13F

Help our first responders restock our shelves by donating blood during the month of July. For donor center and mobile locations, please visit https://link.edgepilot.com/s/4df1ec3c/TkDe7XfRaE_eTMeo_N3Kcg?u=http://www.hcbb.com/schedule.

Blood donors must be in good health, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be at least 17 years old or 16 years old with a parent or guardian consent. A photo ID with a date of birth is all that is needed to start saving lives. For more information about blood donation, please visit https://link.edgepilot.com/s/06db71d8/Cl8GevwCbU_4Wvmj2imM8w?u=http://www.hcbb.com/ or call us at 661-323-4222. Appointments are encouraged, but walk-ins are welcomed.