Neighborhood Hero: Jonathan Bechtel has been saving lives for more than six decades
COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) --- At 81 years old, Jonathan Bechtel has spent more than six decades quietly making a difference in his community by donating blood.
Jonathan first gave blood at age 20, after a friend’s mother needed a transfusion following an accident. Over the years, he has witnessed how much a single donation can accomplish and how far its impact can reach.
His donations have helped patients locally and across the country, including people with cancer, trauma injuries, and other emergencies. One memorable experience for Jonathan involved a young girl who survived because of blood transfusions, which put a personal face on the life-saving work he has contributed to over the years.
Jonathan encourages healthy individuals to donate blood, noting that it takes very little time and can make a significant difference in the lives of others.
Blood banks in the region rely on donors like Jonathan to maintain adequate supplies. Isaac Lopez, regional account manager with LifeStream Blood Bank, says the community blood bank provides blood to all local hospitals and that shortages exist both locally and nationally. Any opportunity to collect blood and have people donate is greatly appreciated.
Despite being recognized as this month’s Neighborhood Hero, Jonathan considers donating blood a simple, meaningful act rather than a heroic feat. He emphasizes that the process is only a small time commitment and provides a life-saving product for those in need.
For Jonathan, giving blood has become a lifelong routine that consistently helps others and strengthens the community, proving that a small act can have a big impact.
