Blood Drive Update

Posted on 10/05/2026

RECORD HEAT FORCES EARLY SHUTDOWN OF STUDIO CITY BLOOD DRIVE

Community goodwill triumphed over historic temperatures in Studio City, as a local blood drive sponsored by the Studio City Neighborhood Council collected 16 units of blood—enough to save up to 48 lives—before extreme conditions forced an early shutdown.

Volunteers gathered at the historic Unitarian Church on Moorpark Street to participate in SCNC’s 2nd annual Blood Drive. Despite a record-breaking heatwave impacting the region, dedicated community members turned out to support the effort.

However, the drive faced an unavoidable obstacle when the venue's infrastructure was overwhelmed by the weather. In 103-degree heat, the 100-year-old sanctuary proved unable to maintain a cool enough interior temperature to safely collect, handle, and store blood donations under proper medical protocols.

Out of an abundance of caution for donor safety and product viability, organizers ended the event earlier than planned.

"The dedication of our volunteers was incredible today, showing up despite extreme weather," said Andrew Epstein, SCNC Board member and organizer, while noting that safety protocols must come first when collecting vital medical donations.