WOODLAND HILLS, CA – October 23, 2025 —The American Red Cross Los Angeles Region will rename its Woodland Hills Blood, Platelet and Plasma Donation Center as the Paula Bazar Blood Donation Center during a special ceremony on October 24. The event honors local philanthropist Paula Bazar Sandling for her lifelong dedication to helping others and her leadership as Director of the Betty Bazar Foundation.

A lifelong San Fernando Valley resident, Paula Bazar Sandling began her nursing career at UCLA’s pediatric unit in 1972 and continues her mother’s legacy as Director of the Betty Bazar Foundation. She has been a devoted supporter of the Red Cross, helping make life-saving blood donations possible for thousands in the community.

“I have the opportunity to do what few can do”, Paula shared when asked about her philanthropy. “It’s been eye-opening with all the things we’ve done. You have no idea all the Red Cross does. Blood is just one part. We put up fire alarms, give money when people lose everything; Red Cross, they take care of anybody."

Why Blood Donation Matters

• Someone in the U.S. needs blood every two seconds.
• Red Cross donations support new parents, premature babies, cancer patients and accident victims.
• The Red Cross provides 40% of the nation’s blood supply.
• Volunteer donors save lives every day.

Free A1C Testing for Diabetes

• In November, National Diabetes Month, donors who give blood, platelets, or plasma will receive a free A1C screening.
• A1C testing screens for prediabetes and diabetes; fasting is not required.
• Donors can view confidential results 1–2 weeks later in the Blood Donor App or at RedCrossBlood.org.
• Each donor receives one A1C result per 12 months.

Type O Donors Needed 

All blood types are needed, but there is an emergency need for type O donors and platelet donors.

• Type O positive is the most transfused and can be given to any Rh-positive patient; recent winter shortages have reduced hospital supplies.
• Type O negative is universal and used in emergencies when blood type is unknown.
• Platelets help blood clot and must be used within five days.Blood can’t be manufactured or stockpiled—volunteer donors make it possible.

People locally and across the country rely on generous blood donors. 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).

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.