Mega Doctor News
The United States is facing a severe blood shortage, prompting the American Red Cross to issue only the second national blood crisis declaration in its history.
Since June, blood donations have declined by 25% nationwide due to extreme summer temperatures, increased travel and seasonal illnesses, according to the nonprofit organization.
The decrease has led to critically low blood inventories across the country, particularly for Type O blood, which is in highest demand for emergency and trauma care.
“Hospitals rely on a steady supply of donated blood every day, not only for trauma cases and emergency surgeries, but also for cancer treatments, chronic illnesses and other lifesaving procedures,” said Yvonne Wheeler, Director of Blood Donor Development for South Texas Blood & Tissue, the organization that supplies blood to healthcare facilities across South Texas, including South Texas Health System (STHS). “When donations decline, it becomes increasingly difficult to keep pace with patient needs and maintain the inventory necessary to ensure lifesaving blood is available whenever and wherever it is needed.”
While STHS is not currently experiencing a blood shortage, the health system is taking proactive steps to help safeguard the regional blood supply and support the ongoing needs of patients throughout the Rio Grande Valley.
To help bolster the regional blood supply, STHS is partnering with South Texas Blood & Tissue to host a community blood drive at STHS Edinburg on Friday, August 21, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Taking place in the Texas Room, the event is open to employees, visitors and members of the community who want to help save lives through blood donation.
“Just a few minutes of your time can make a lifetime of difference for someone in our community,” said Tom Castañeda, System Director of Marketing & Public Relations, STHS. “Every blood donation has the potential to save multiple lives. By rolling up your sleeve and donating blood, you can provide hope and healing to patients and families when they need it most.”
Donors must be at least 17 years old (or 16 with parental consent) and in good general health to be eligible to donate. Those planning to give blood are encouraged to eat a healthy meal, stay well hydrated and avoid energy drinks before their appointment. A valid photo ID is required.
While advance registration is strongly encouraged, walk-ins are welcome. As a token of appreciation for their lifesaving contribution, donors will receive two tickets to the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) vs. University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) football game on September 5, 2026, along with a complimentary Rally the Valley koozie.
For more information or to reserve a donation appointment, visit STHSWellness.com or contact Yvonne Wheeler with South Texas Blood & Tissue at Yvonne.Wheeler@southtexasblood.org. By donating blood, community members can help ensure lifesaving blood products remain available for patients across the Valley when they need them most.
| Who: | South Texas Health System & South Texas Blood & Tissue |
| What: | Community Blood Drive |
| When: | Friday, August 21, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. |
| Where: | South Texas Health System Edinburg 1102 W. Trenton Rd. Edinburg, TX 78539 |
