Summer is a season filled with vacations, pool days and quality time with family; but it’s also when blood donations see their steepest decline of the year.
As people travel and schools are out, fewer donors are available, leading to critical blood shortages at a time when demand is often at its highest due to an increase in traffic accidents and traumatic injuries.
“At the hospital level, we rely on a steady blood supply to care for patients, especially those in critical situations,” says Tom Castañeda, System Director of Marketing & Public Relations, South Texas Health System (STHS). “When donations decrease in the summer and demand for blood increases, it can put added pressure on our ability to respond. So, every donation plays a vital role in helping us save lives.”
To help ensure a steady and lifesaving blood supply, STHS and South Texas Blood & Tissue—the sole blood provider for STHS facilities—are partnering to host a two-day community blood drive aimed at strengthening the region’s blood supply heading into the summer months.
Community members are encouraged to give the gift of life by participating in one of the upcoming mobile blood drives at STHS McAllen and STHS Edinburg. Taking place in the main parking lot of each facility, the schedule is as follows:
STHS Edinburg: Thursday, June 11, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
STHS McAllen: Friday, June 12, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
“Every blood donation has the power to save lives, but during the summer months, that impact becomes even more critical,” says Yvonne Wheeler, Blood Drive Development Director, South Texas Blood & Tissue. “We encourage our community to step forward, schedule a donation and take that simple, lifesaving action. One donation can help up to three people—offering hope, healing and a second chance at life when it’s needed most.”
Donors must be at least 17 years old (16 with parental consent) and in good general health to be eligible to give blood.
Those planning to donate are encouraged to eat a healthy meal, drink plenty of water and avoid energy drinks prior to their donation. A valid photo ID is required.
While advanced registration is strongly encouraged, walk-ins are welcome. As a token of appreciation for their lifesaving contribution, donors will receive an insulated tote bag.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit STHSWellness.com or contact Yvonne Wheeler with South Texas Blood & Tissue at yvonne.wheeler@southtexasblood.org.
Who: South Texas Health System & South Texas Blood & Tissue
What: Community Blood Drives
When: Thursday, June 11 & Friday, June 12, 2026, various times
Where: South Texas Health System McAllen, 301 W. Expressway 83, McAllen, TX 78503 South Texas Health System Edinburg, 1102 W. Trenton Rd., Edinburg, TX 78539
About South Texas Health System
South Texas Health System is a multi-facility healthcare system serving patients throughout the Rio Grande Valley. The system includes four acute care facility campuses with specialties in pediatrics, heart and vascular services, maternity and women’s health and trauma services. Inpatient and outpatient treatment for behavioral health needs and addictive disorders is also provided through the system's South Texas Health System Behavioral facility. South Texas Health System is affiliated with the South Texas Clinical Partners ACO, Prominence Health Plan, and Cornerstone Regional Hospital. The system operates an advanced Level II Trauma Center at South Texas Health System McAllen, the first dedicated children’s facility and pediatric ER at South Texas Health System Children’s, the region’s only freestanding heart hospital and specialized cardiac ER at South Texas Health System Heart, and seven freestanding emergency rooms located in and around Weslaco, Mission, Edinburg, McAllen, Pharr and Alamo. For more information about the system and its comprehensive services, please visit www.southtexashealthsystem.com.
About South Texas Blood & Tissue
South Texas Blood & Tissue (STB&T) is a nonprofit community blood center that provides blood, plasma, platelets and other blood components to more than 100 hospitals and healthcare providers throughout Texas and beyond. As the largest blood supplier in South Texas, STB&T conducts hundreds of mobile blood drives each year and provides over 400,000 units of blood to our healthcare partners.
