Northern California Community Blood Bank hosts blood drive at Blue Lake Fire Department

EUREKA, Calif. — The Northern California Community Blood Bank mobile blood drive took place Tuesday evening in front of the Blue Lake Fire Department, where people lined up to donate to save lives and for those in need.

"It's very important to donate especially, we need new donors right now, only 3% of the eligible population donates where it used to be a 5%,” said The Northern California Community Blood Bank Donor Recruiter, Sierra Carter. “We are the only blood bank in Humboldt and in Del Norte that supply blood to all five hospitals in this area."

Organizers say all donations are greatly appreciated. That's because, according to the Blue Lake Volunteer Department, 5% of hospitalized patients receive blood transfusions. Donating blood is crucial for cancer patients, moms giving birth and others in need.

"If you don't show up and donate and there will be no blood for us to use,” Carter said. “You have to show up because without you, we are not going to get blood from anyone else, this blood drive is completely donation based."

The blood bank is not only doing this to boost its reserves, but to also fundraise for a new blood mobile bus to replace the current aging bus. They aim to raise $400,000 and are currently at $100,000, which was donated by the Berg Foundation.

"Together we can make donating blood a priority in our community, all you have to do is show up," Silver said.

Click here to learn more about future Northern California Community Blood Bank blood drives and how to donate blood.

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