April 24, 2009 - California State University, Bakersfield's Student Athlete Advisory Committee has teamed up with Houchin Community Blood Bank for the annual Spring Blood Drive in CSUB's Runner Park. The drive will be held Wednesday, April 29 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

"One of our goals is to get first time donors to come out to donate and make a lifelong commitment to donate blood," said Karen Langston, director of athletics marketing and sales. "Our other goal is to receive at least 100 units of blood during the event for Houchin and the community."

More than 900 units have been collected throughout the duration of the program and 195 units were collected during the 2007-08 academic year.

"I believe having an institution like CSUB, and the program under President Horace Mitchell, has been a substantial asset to the community," said Greg Gallion, CEO and president of Houchin Community Blood Bank. "Because we deal in a perishable commodity, it is important to always have a large supply of donations on-hand. This event is a significant gesture on the part of CSUB and its students to give back to the community through blood donations."

Houchin is the sole provider of safe blood products in Kern County, which makes the community's donations critical to their mission, and the patients they serve. To see if you qualify to donate blood or for more information on the importance of donating blood, visit www.hcbb.com.