Houchin Blood Bank Pleads for Donors After Major Highway Crash

Urgent call for O-negative, O-positive, and A-positive blood types after 30+ vehicle collision on Highway 58 in Bakersfield.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 3:07pm

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Houchin Community Blood Bank in Bakersfield, California has issued an immediate emergency plea for blood donors following a major 30+ vehicle crash on Highway 58 near Towerline Road. The blood bank is rushing significant amounts of blood and blood products to the local trauma center, Kern Medical, to treat those injured in the accident. With existing blood shortages due to recent storms, the blood bank says they are in a "worst case scenario" and cannot rely on shipments from other states, so they are calling on the local community to donate blood right away.

Why it matters

Maintaining an adequate blood supply is critical during mass casualty incidents like this major highway crash. Houchin Community Blood Bank serves as the primary supplier of blood products to hospitals in Kern County, so their ability to quickly respond and replenish blood reserves is essential for treating the injured. This emergency highlights the ongoing need for regular blood donations, especially of the most versatile blood types, to ensure communities are prepared to handle unexpected surges in demand.

The details

According to the California Highway Patrol, the crash on Highway 58 involved over 30 vehicles and resulted in injuries ranging from minor to major. Houchin Community Blood Bank says they are rushing blood and blood products to the local trauma center, Kern Medical, to support treatment of the victims. The blood bank is specifically appealing for donations of O-negative, O-positive, and A-positive blood types, which are essential for treating trauma patients when there is no time to determine blood type.

  • The crash occurred on Tuesday morning on Highway 58 near Towerline Road in Bakersfield.
  • Houchin Community Blood Bank issued its urgent call for donors on January 27, 2026.

The players

Houchin Community Blood Bank

The primary supplier of blood products to hospitals in Kern County, California.

Kern Medical

The trauma center in Bakersfield receiving blood and blood products from Houchin Community Blood Bank to treat victims of the Highway 58 crash.

California Highway Patrol (CHP)

The law enforcement agency that reported the details of the 30+ vehicle crash on Highway 58.

Anna Kazaryan

The Director of Donor Relations at Houchin Community Blood Bank.

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What they’re saying

“We were already facing a shortage due to the storms disrupting our imports. Now, with this tragic accident on Highway 58, we are in a worst case scenario. We cannot rely on shipments from other states right now, we need our local community to roll up their sleeves immediately.”

— Anna Kazaryan, Director Of Donor Relations (Houchin Community Blood Bank)

What’s next

Houchin Community Blood Bank is urging all eligible donors in the Bakersfield area to visit one of their donor centers immediately to give blood, especially those with O-negative, O-positive, and A-positive blood types. The blood bank is operating on an emergency basis and accepting walk-in donors to help replenish their supplies and support the treatment of victims from the Highway 58 crash.

The takeaway

This emergency blood shortage highlights the critical importance of maintaining a robust and reliable local blood supply, especially in regions prone to natural disasters and mass casualty incidents. By donating blood regularly, community members can help ensure their local blood banks are prepared to rapidly respond to unexpected surges in demand and save lives in times of crisis.