EDINBURG, Texas – South Texas Health System and South Texas Blood & Tissue will hold a community blood drive Aug. 21 as blood centers work to rebuild supplies following a nationwide drop in donations.
The drive is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Texas Room at STHS Edinburg, 1102 W. Trenton Road. Employees, visitors and members of the public may participate.
Blood donations have declined by about 25% nationwide since June because of extreme heat, travel and seasonal illnesses, according to health officials. Type O blood is in especially high demand because it is frequently used in emergency and trauma care.
Donors generally must be at least 17, or 16 with parental consent, and in good health. Participants should eat a healthy meal, drink water and bring a valid photo ID. Appointments are encouraged, but walk-ins will be accepted.
Each donor will receive two tickets to the Sept. 5 UTRGV-UTSA football game and a Rally the Valley koozie while supplies last.
Blood products are used for trauma care, surgeries, cancer treatment and chronic illnesses. One donation can be separated into components that help multiple patients.
