BBG Advanced Therapies collects first cell donation on one-of-a-kind bus

Rally in the Valley with South Texas Blood & Tissue

South Texas Blood & Tissue is introducing itself to the Rio Grande Valley area with a 3-day blood drive.

SAN ANTONIO – South Texas Blood & Tissue is partnering with South Texas Health System in McAllen and Edinburg for a three-day community blood drive in February.

Severe weather, including recent winter storms, forced the cancellation of blood drives, causing a 35% drop in supplies in the past month and creating an urgent need for donations to support patients.

Nationally, blood is needed every two seconds. Blood transfusions help patients living with cancer, new mothers, trauma patients and more.

South Texas Blood & Tissue provides blood to 110 hospitals across 49 counties, including facilities in the Rio Grande Valley. Through this new partnership, the organization is expanding local blood drives and strengthening its presence in the region.

As a thank-you, donors will receive a “Rally in the Valley” T-shirt, one of the first pieces of Rio Grande Valley swag. Pre-registration is strongly encouraged, but walk-ins are always welcome.

Monday, Feb. 23
2-6 p.m.
South Texas Health System
301 W. Expressway 83, McAllen, TX 78503

Tuesday, Feb. 24
9 a.m.-noon
South Texas Health System ER Weslaco
330 W. Expressway 83, Weslaco, TX 78599

3-6 p.m.
South Texas Health System ER Mission
900 E. Expressway 83, Mission, TX 78572

Wednesday, Feb. 25
9 a.m.-1 p.m.
South Texas Health System, Edinburg
1102 W. Trenton Road, Edinburg, TX 78539

To schedule a donation, call 833-You-Give (833-968-4483) or visit SouthTexasBlood.org/RallyTheValley.

Rodeo Night Drawing: Donate Blood for a Chance to Win

Through Feb. 21, Donate Blood for a Chance to Win Shane Smith Rodeo Tickets

SAN ANTONIO – Through Feb. 21, anyone who donates blood will be placed in a drawing for a chance to win two lower-level tickets to the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo to watch Shane Smith and the Saints on Feb. 28.

According to stats from America’s Blood Centers, more than a quarter of the U.S. blood supply is used by patients battling cancer. Annually, more than 2 million people are diagnosed with cancer.

Many of them will need blood during their course of treatment, such as 5-year-old Aleyda. Behind her bright smile and the hugs, she fights a fierce battle against leukemia. When treatment drains Aleyda’s color and energy, blood and platelet donations bring this sweet girl back to her sunny self, sometimes within hours.

“It’s like a switch flips,” Aleyda’s mother said. “It’s thanks to generous donors that Aleyda can keep fighting with strength and love.”

To schedule a donation, call 833-You-Give (833-968-4483) or visit SouthTexasBlood.org/Give.