Wind and flooding from Hurricane Beryl have left Houston’s Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center with power shortages and an empty blood supply, unable to fulfill the needs of patients in local hospitals. And because of local blood shortages, South Texas Blood & Tissue can’t lend a hand.
South Texas Blood & Tissue already had a limited supply because of typical summer-month shortages. All blood types are needed, especially the O-positive and O-negative.
Community support is crucial to having an adequate blood supply for San Antonio and Houston. Both centers are asking Texans to help rebuild the state’s blood supply.
“I want to encourage everyone to donate blood. Please do encourage people yourselves,” said Adrienne Mendoza, Chief Operating Officer, South Texas Blood & Tissue.
“It’s traditionally a slow period this time of year. July is very challenging. Our neighbors were affected by Hurricane Beryl and it’s been very challenging for them as well, so if we can all have our neighbors and friends step up, we can help Houston recover.”
Both blood donors and blood drive sponsors are needed. Schedule a blood donation or drive by visiting SouthtexasBlood.org.
To encourage O donors – now through the end of the month of July all O donors who donate at a Center will receive 750 points to be redeemed in the online South Texas Blood & Tissue Donor Store. All platelet donors will receive 1000 points to also be redeemed in the Donor Store.
