Mega Doctor News
Texas is currently facing a critical emergency-level blood shortage.
Severe weather in the first two months of 2026, including recent winter storms, forced the cancellation of blood drives, causing a 35% drop in supplies over the past month and creating an urgent need for donations to support hospital patients, according to the American Red Cross.
The shortage is forcing medical professionals to make serious choices about conserving the available blood supply by deciding who receives transfusions and who will need to wait until more blood becomes available at impacted hospitals in Texas.
Across its 12 facilities in the Rio Grande Valley, South Texas Health System (STHS) has been taking proactive measures to avoid a potential blood shortage.
STHS is teaming up with South Texas Blood & Tissue – the sole blood provider for STHS’ facilities – to host a three-day community blood drive aimed at building up the supply in South Texas.
“Every day, nearly 40,000 blood donations are required in the U.S. to meet patient needs,” says Yvonne Wheeler, Donor Recruitment Coordinator, South Texas Blood & Tissue. “A single blood donation, typically a pint, can save or help up to three lives because the blood is usually separated into three key components—red blood cells, plasma, and platelets—which can be used individually for different patients.”
Next week, STHS will host mobile blood drives at three of its facilities: STHS McAllen, STHS ER Weslaco, STHSER Mission and STHS Edinburg. The drives will take place in the main parking lot of the host facilities, scheduled as follows:
| STHS McAllen: Monday, February 23, 2026, from 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. |
| STHS ER Weslaco: Tuesday, February 24, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. |
| STHS ER Mission: Tuesday, February 24, 2026, from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. |
| STHS Edinburg: Wednesday, February 25, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. |
Donors must be at least 17 years old (16 with parental consent) and in general good health to donate blood. You are encouraged to eat a healthy meal, drink additional water and avoid energy drinks if you plan to donate. A valid photo ID is required to donate.
Sign-ups are strongly encouraged, but walk-ins are always welcome. As a thank you for their lifesaving blood donation, donors will receive a special Rally the Valley T-shirt.For more information and to reserve your appointment online, please visit STHSWellness.com or contact Yvonne Wheeler with South Texas Blood & Tissue
