BAKERSFIELD, CA — Houchin Community Blood Bank has issued an emergency plea for blood donors to assist victims of a massive pileup involving more than 30 vehicles on Highway 58.
The collision occurred Tuesday morning, January 27, near Towerline Road. According to the California Highway Patrol, injuries for those involved in the crash ranged from minor to severe. To care for those injured, the blood bank is rushing extra blood and other vital products, such as plasma and platelets, to the Kern Medical trauma center.
Critical Need for Specific Blood Types
The blood bank reported an immediate and critical need for the following blood types to help trauma patients: O-Negative, O-Positive, and A-Positive.
While all three types are needed, O-Negative is especially vital. Medical teams can use O-Negative even when they do not have enough time to find out a patient’s blood type before starting treatment.
According to Anna Kazaryan, Director of Donor Relations for the blood bank, the local supply was already dangerously low before the accident. Recent storms delayed shipments from out of state, making it harder for the bank to get more blood. Kazaryan described the combination of the existing shortage and Tuesday’s accident as a "worst case scenario" for the community.
How the Community Can Help
In response to the emergency call, local residents began arriving at donation centers Tuesday afternoon to donate and help. The blood bank is currently taking walk-ins at all three of its Bakersfield locations:
- Bolthouse Donor Center: 11515 Bolthouse Drive
- Truxtun Donor Center: 5901 Truxtun Avenue
- Oswell Donor Center: 2671 Oswell Street, Suite C
Community members can also schedule an appointment by calling 661-323-4222 or by visiting the organization’s website at HCBB.com. Donors are encouraged to visit these centers throughout the day to help restock the local supply.
