In the 1940s, the Kern County Medical Society recognized the need for a blood bank in Kern County, as the lack of one made it challenging to meet the emergency needs of local hospitals. In 1951, society members met with Mr. Elmer Houchin, who, through the Houchin Foundation and in memory of his mother, Sarah Alice Houchin, generously donated land and an endowment fund. This support led to the opening of the blood bank’s doors in April 1951.