Houchin Community Blood Bank: Houchin Blood Bank Summer Social

Join Houchin Community Blood Bank for their first Houchin Blood Bank Summer Social of the year! All donors making a successful donation Monday through Thursday will be automatically entered for a chance to win a Dodger Game Package including 4 seats and a preferred parking pass to the July 28th game against the Reds. Those that attend the Social in-house event Thursday, 7/20, 4 pm – 7 pm will be treated to food, refreshments, and a sweet treat sponsored by Raising Canes and LaRosa.

Houchin Blood Bank Summer Social event sponsored by Young Wooldridge 
Date: Monday, 7/17 – Thursday, 7/20
Social in-house event Date: Thursday, 7/20
Location: 11515 Bolthouse Drive Bakersfield, CA 93311
Time: 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Wear your baseball jerseys!!! “Baseball Gear Best Dressed” prizes will be given!

Our goal is to collect 40 units of blood products, with an opportunity to help save over 100 lives in our community during the Social in-house event!  There are always a few that are unable to donate for one reason or another, so our goal is to book all 40 available appointment slots.

Click Here to book an appointment. Making these appointments is important because it helps us see where we stand in meeting our projected goal, and helps our staff limit the donation wait times on the day of the blood drive. Much like a doctor’s office, HCBB staff can only take on so many at a time.

Donors are able to complete the donor questionnaire prior to showing up for their scheduled time, but must complete it the day of their blood donation.  Click Here for the questionnaire link.

Saving lives is in your blood! 

Your one blood donation can save up to three lives. Every 2 seconds someone in the United States needs blood. Demand is high, but you can help! Check-in with your photo ID, and get a mini-physical to check eligibility, such as iron levels, blood pressure, etc. Donation time is about

8 – 10 minutes and enjoy some snacks and juice drinks while your body recovers.

Basic requirements: 

• Must be at least 17 years old or 16 with parental consent
• Weigh at least 110 pounds
• Be in good health and feel healthy & well the day of your donation

Ways to prepare for your donation appointments:

• Eat iron-rich foods. Common high-iron foods include red meat, lean beef, pork, chicken, and lamb. Plant sources like bread, fruits, vegetables, grains, and seeds are not easily absorbed by the body.
• Eat foods high in Vitamin C to aid in the absorption of iron plant-based.
• Maintain adequate hydration in the week leading up to your blood donation
• Eat a healthy meal prior to donation. Avoid fatty foods like processed meats, fried foods, and fast food. DO NOT donate on an empty stomach!
• Drink at least 32 ounces of water 2 hours prior to your blood donation.
• Avoid caffeine, including soda, tea, and coffee. Caffeine is a mild diuretic and it causes your kidneys to flush extra sodium and sodium from the body.
• Be sure to bring a list of any medications you are taking.
• Please be prepared to show a picture ID with your date of birth. (passport, CDL, or ID)
• Regular blood donors with Houchin Community Blood Bank are allowed to use a name badge showing their full name and picture