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Congressional Daily Record
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April 27, 2026
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Extensions of Remarks
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Download official Extensions PDFReturn to issue contextHON. VINCE FONG
of california
in the house of representatives
Mr. FONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Houchin Community Blood Bank as they celebrate their 75th Anniversary. For the past 75 years, Houchin Community Blood Bank has been a lifeline connecting donors and patients in need across all of Kern County's hospitals, and in doing so, became a staple of our local community. Since its creation, Houchin's mission has been simple: “protect the local blood supply so patients in Kern County are not left waiting.” Today, we honor their hard work, sacrifice, and constant devotion to helping others, as we join them in celebration.
bank. Blood had to be transported from Los Angeles or San Francisco and would take at least a day to arrive; a time frame far too slow for the residents of Kern County whose lives were on the line. In light of these difficulties, members of the Kern County Medical Society asked their fellow member Elmer Houchin to help secure them a permanent site to build on. Through the Houchin Foundation, Elmer donated land on G Street in downtown Bakersfield as well as an endowment in memory of his mother, Sarah Alice Houchin. The blood bank's doors opened in April of 1951, and within a year the bank's original name “Kern Community Blood Bank” was changed to “Houchin Community Blood Bank” in honor of the family who made its opening possible.
Memorial, Kern Medical, and Bakersfield Heart Hospital, as well as organizations such as the Comprehensive Blood and Cancer Center and Dignity Health Group. Their organization shares resources across all 50 states and is affiliated with some of the Nation's most trusted blood supply organizations. They are currently working tirelessly on key projects like the Pre-Hospital Transfusion Initiative, and a Capital Campaign to raise funds and awareness.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in commending Jonathan Bautista, Houchin's CEO, and his staff at Houchin for their support for the people of Kern County. It is thanks to them that the lives of residents are saved every day. I join all those gathered here in wishing them continued success and look forward to seeing their continued part in Kern County's future as a leader among its medical professionals.