Port Community Hosts Blood Drive for COVID-19 Relief Efforts

As the Port continues moving cargo to stock the shelves at grocery stores throughout California and 15 western states, waterfront workers went above and beyond the call by hosting a blood drive at the Port of Hueneme on April 16, 2020.

“Our Port family answered the call, with longshoreman and stevedores coming together to donate blood to the American Red Cross,” said Oxnard Harbor District Board President Jess Ramirez. “Our waterfront workers are heroes, not only have they been working day and night to make sure our families have food in the stores, they are now lining up to donate their blood.”

ILWU and stevedores line up to donate blood at the Port of Hueneme during the COVID-19 crisis

“This is a time for us to come together and do what we can”, said Kevin Beirne of Ceres Marine Terminals. “I’d like to thank Rick Venezuela, Manny Figueroa, and members of the International Longshoremen and Warehouse Union who really initiated the blood drive, and the American Red Cross for coming out to the Port today.”

The American Red Cross partners with the Port, ILWU, and Stevedores during a blood drive on April 16, 2020

The effort had over 40 people donating blood to go to patients with various needs including those resulting from COVID-19.

“Our dockside workers, not only ensure bananas, fruits and vegetables find their way to our grocery stores, but demonstrate their overwhelming compassion and devotion to our community holding a blood drive,” said Kristin Decas CEO & Port Director. “These hardworking men and women are the heartbeat of our Port, all inspiring, and I am extremely honored to work alongside them.”