1 minute
Senator Suzette Valladares (R-Santa Clarita) donates blood at the Santa Clarita location of the Senate District 23 blood drive.
Today Senator Suzette Martinez Valladares (R-Santa Clarita) announced that residents across Senate District 23 rolled up their sleeves and showed up for their neighbors in need at last Friday's district-wide blood drive, co-hosted in partnership with the American Red Cross.
Blood drives were held simultaneously in Santa Clarita, Palmdale, and Hesperia, spanning the Santa Clarita Valley, Antelope Valley, and Victor Valley. Combined, the three events collected 89 units of blood, enough to help as many as 255 patients in need.
"This is exactly what community looks like," said Senator Valladares. "Neighbors across Santa Clarita, the Antelope Valley, and the Victor Valley showed up for people they'll probably never meet, and that says everything about this community. I'm proud of every single person who rolled up their sleeve."
Senator Valladares donated blood herself at the Santa Clarita blood drive and visited all three locations throughout the day, joined by local elected officials at each site.
California continues to face an ongoing blood shortage, and Senator Valladares said she hopes last Friday's turnout is just the beginning.
"One donation can help save up to three lives," Senator Valladares said. "If this event showed us anything, it's that when we ask this community to show up for each other, they answer, and I’m so grateful."
Residents interested in donating blood can schedule an appointment anytime at RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS.