WOODLAND HILLS, Calif. – Oct. 27, 2025 – The American Red Cross Los Angeles Region honored local philanthropist Paula Bazar Sandling on Friday, Oct. 24, by renaming its Woodland Hills Blood, Platelet and Plasma Donation Center as the Paula Bazar Blood Donation Center during a heartfelt ceremony recognizing her lifelong dedication to helping others.

Photos from the ceremony are available here.

A lifelong San Fernando Valley resident, Paula Bazar Sandling began her nursing career in UCLA’s pediatric unit in 1972. Today, she continues her mother’s legacy as chairperson of the Betty Bazar Foundation and has long supported the Red Cross, helping make lifesaving blood donations possible for thousands across the region.

During the ceremony, Susan Baker, president and CEO of The Betty Bazar Foundation, surprised attendees by announcing a transformative $2.7 million gift to fully fund the modernization of the American Red Cross Betty Bazar Blood Services Center in Pomona. Already one of the largest blood manufacturing sites in the country—serving Southern and Northern California as well as Arizona, the Pomona center reached a historic milestone last year by processing more than one million blood products, becoming the largest facility in the Red Cross Blood Services network and the first in the nation to surpass that volume in a single year.

Building on that momentum, Paula Bazar Sandling followed with the announcement of a second gift of $570,000 to purchase essential new equipment, including high-speed centrifuges, specialized plasma freezers, an automated blood banking lab and a 3D mapping system to enhance production efficiency and safety. Together, the gifts, totaling $3.27 million, will ensure the Pomona center remains one of the most advanced and impactful blood manufacturing facilities in the country. The donations reflect a guiding principle passed down through the Bazar family.

“When you have the ability to help, you do,” Paula said. “I’ve been fortunate to do what few can. It’s been eye-opening to see all the Red Cross does—not just blood. They install smoke alarms, provide financial support when people lose everything. The Red Cross takes care of everyone.”

NEWLY NAMED BLOOD CENTER URGES BLOOD DONATIONS Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood—a constant reminder of how vital donations are. The American Red Cross provides 40% of the nation’s blood supply, supporting patients ranging from new parents and premature babies to cancer patients and accident victims. Behind every unit of donated blood is a volunteer who helps save lives, making a direct and lasting impact on communities across the country.

FREE A1C TESTING FOR DIABETES This November, in recognition of National Diabetes Month, the American Red Cross is offering free A1C screenings to all donors who give blood, platelets, or plasma. A1C testing helps identify prediabetes and diabetes and does not require fasting. Donors can access their confidential results within one to two weeks through the Red Cross Blood Donor App or at RedCrossBlood.org. Each donor is eligible to receive one A1C result every 12 months.

TYPE O DONORS NEEDED While all blood types are needed, there is an urgent call for type O and platelet donors. Type O negative is the universal blood type, and the most commonly transfused blood, especially critical in emergencies when a patient’s blood type is unknown. Platelets, which help blood clot, are especially vital for patients undergoing treatments like chemotherapy and must be used within five days of donation. Because blood and platelets cannot be manufactured or stockpiled, volunteer donors are essential to keeping hospitals equipped and saving lives.

WAYS TO DONATE BLOOD By making an appointment to give blood or platelets, donors can keep the national blood supply from falling to shortage levels. Schedule your donation today via the Red Cross Blood Donor App, at RedCrossBlood.org, or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent were allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also must meet certain height and weight requirements.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.