loader image
Thursday, October 9, 2025
75.9 F
McAllen
- Advertisement -

STHS Blood Drive, Dec. 20th

Translate to Spanish or other 102 languages!

While not directly affected by the national blood shortage, STHS is taking proactive measures to ensure lifesaving medical procedures can continue. Image for illustration purposes.
While not directly affected by the national blood shortage, STHS is taking proactive measures to ensure lifesaving medical procedures can continue. Image for illustration purposes.
- Advertisement -

Throughout the United States, an emergency blood shortage is causing a commotion in the healthcare industry.

Already experiencing the lowest number of individuals donating in the last 20 years, the American Red Cross – the largest blood supplier in the nation – saw national blood inventory plummet 25% in the summer as record-breaking heat disrupted blood drives nationwide.

Blood and platelet donations are needed to help alleviate the shortage that is impacting lifesaving medical procedures on a national level. 

- Advertisement -

While South Texas Health System is not directly affected by the national shortage, the system is taking proactive measures to ensure its facilities are able to maintain a stable blood supply.

“Having blood products readily available is essential to providing timely and lifesaving care to patients in need,especially type O,” says Tony De Luna, BSN, RN, the emergency room director and interim trauma director at STHS McAllen’s Level I Trauma Center. “For trauma patients, each minute of delay can increase the chance of death by 5%, according to the latest research.” 

Each year more than a quarter of all blood products are used in critical care and emergency room situation, with those transfusions only available due to the generosity of blood and platelet donors.

To help build up the local blood supply in the lead up to the winter season, when the holiday season, colder weather and increased illnesses like the flu lead to fewer donations, South Texas Health System is partnering with South Texas Blood & Tissue – the sole blood provider for STHS – to host the Lucky Draw Blood Drive on Friday, December 20th. 

- Advertisement -

From 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m., Rio Grande Valley residents can stop by the main parking lot at STHS McAllen to donate blood in South Texas Blood & Tissue’s mobile unit.

Donors at least 17 years and older (16 with parental consent) and in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. Remember to eat a good meal, drink additional water and avoid energy drinks. A valid photo ID is required to donate blood, which could help up to three individuals, per South Texas Blood & Tissue.  

Sign-ups are strongly encouraged, but walk-ins are always welcome. As a thank you for their lifesaving blood donation, donors will receive a coupon for one free Cafe Olé product from HEB as well as be entered for a chance to win one of several HEB gift cards valued between $10 to $150. 

For more information, contact blood drive coordinator Anabeth Molina at 956-821-7402 or via email at anabeth.molina@uhsrgv.com.

Who: South Texas Health System & South Texas Blood & Tissue  
What: Community Blood Drive 
When: Friday, December 20, 2024, from 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.  
Where:   Main Parking LotSouth Texas Health System McAllen301 W. Expressway 83McAllen, TX 78503
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -

- Advertisement -

More Articles

DHR Health Urology Institute Expands Expertise with Dr. Kayvon Kian

DHR Health, one of the largest physician-owned hospitals in the United States, proudly serving the Rio Grande Valley since 1997, is excited to welcome Dr. Kayvon Kiani to our esteemed team at the DHR Health Urology Institute.

STHS Children’s Webinar on Bullying/Cyberbullying Prevention, Oct. 15th

Considered serious public health concerns, bullying and cyberbullying continue to rise at a concerning rate in the United States, resulting in widespread negative consequences for victims, perpetrators and bystanders.

STHS Children’s Receives $14,150 Donation from Dutch Bros

Mega Doctor News Planned or unplanned, a hospital stay can be nerve-wracking for...

STC & Region One ESC Open More Doors to High School Completion

Homeschooled for most of her life, Edcouch-Elsa senior Ana Trevino put her education on hold two years ago to care for her parents as they battled cancer and to step in as a second mother to her six younger siblings.
- Advertisement -
×