March 24, 2026
News Release

Contact:
Barbara Laughon
(760) 873-5811 ext. 3415 [email protected]

Partnerships power strong turnout at Bishop Community Blood Drive, supporting 453 patients

Community members stepped forward in a strong show of support during the recent Vitalant Community Blood Drive at the Bishop Elks Lodge BPOE #1603, helping surpass expectations and strengthen the regional blood supply for patients in need.

A total of 137 donors participated in the two-day drive, resulting in 151 units of blood collected – 32 units above the expected commitment. Those donations are expected to help up to 453 patients, highlighting the life-saving impact of local participation.

The success of the drive reflects the strength of collaboration among community partners, including Northern Inyo Healthcare District, the Northern Inyo Hospital Auxiliary, the Bishop Sunrise Rotary, the Bishop Lions Club, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8988, and especially the Bishop Elks Lodge BPOE #1603, which again served as host for the community effort.

“The response from our community was truly remarkable,” said NIHD’s Rosie Graves, who helps coordinate the quarterly drives. “Every donor helped make a difference for patients who rely on blood transfusions for surgery, cancer care, trauma treatment, and other serious medical needs. We are especially grateful to the Bishop Elks Lodge and our many community partners who continue to make this important work possible.”

Because blood cannot be manufactured, community drives remain essential to ensuring hospitals have the supply they need to care for patients across the region. Vitalant Blood Services expressed appreciation to the donors, volunteers, and partner organizations whose teamwork made the March drive a success and continues to strengthen access to lifesaving care close to home.

Left to right: Carmen and Craig London of the Bishop Elks Lodge BPOE #1603, Jackie Grams of Vitalant, Wayne Ball of the Bishop Elks Lodge BPOE #1603, and Laura Smith of the Northern Inyo Healthcare District Board of Directors gather in the hospital’s Healing Garden for a media interview leading into Vitalant’s recent Community Blood Drive in Bishop. The quarterly drives highlight the strong partnership among local organizations that help make lifesaving blood donation opportunities possible. Photo by Barbara Laughon/Northern Inyo Healthcare District