Gulf Coast Blood encourages community to donate this July to help keep local blood supply strong
July 17, 2026
HOUSTON — As blood centers in several parts of the country face serious summer inventory challenges, Gulf Coast Blood is urging eligible donors to schedule a donation before July 31. Although the local blood supply remains stable, maintaining that stability requires approximately 1,000 donations every day to support patients across the region.
Summer is traditionally one of the most important times of the year for blood donation. Family vacations, travel, school breaks and fewer school blood drives can lead to fewer donor appointments, while the need for blood remains steady.
Gulf Coast Blood continues to meet the current needs of more than 170 hospitals and medical facilities across the Texas Gulf Coast, Brazos Valley and East Texas. However, that stability depends on donors continuing to give throughout the summer. Community members are being asked to make blood donation a priority now to help prevent local inventory challenges.
The organization must collect approximately 1,000 blood donations every day across 26 counties to support the ongoing needs of patients throughout the region.
“Other communities are already seeing how quickly summer donation declines can affect the blood supply,” said Stephanie Jacksis, Corporate Communications Manager at Gulf Coast Blood. “We can help prevent that here. Schedule an appointment, keep it and donate before July ends. Every appointment helps ensure blood is available when a local patient needs it.”
Because blood cannot be manufactured and many blood products have limited shelf lives, the supply must be replenished continuously. Platelets, which are often needed for trauma care and cancer treatment, last only five days and require regular donations to remain available for patients.
“One donation can help save up to three lives,” Jacksis said. “Behind every unit of blood is a patient, a family, and a moment when someone’s generosity matters. The best donation is the one you’re able to give.”
Donors of all blood types are needed, especially O-negative and O-positive donors, as well as platelet donors. O-negative red blood cells can be used in emergencies when a patient’s blood type is unknown, while O-positive is the most frequently transfused blood type.
Gulf Coast Blood is calling on eligible donors to schedule an appointment today at giveblood.org and donate blood by July 31.
July 31 is also the final day for donors to receive a complimentary A1c screening this year. As an added thank-you for supporting local patients, successful donors who give through July 31 will also receive points to redeem for a $25 eGift Card of their choice in the Donor Rewards Store. Promotion details, screening information and eligibility requirements are available at giveblood.org.
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About Gulf Coast Blood
Gulf Coast Blood is a leading nonprofit blood and biotherapies organization serving Greater Houston, the Texas Medical Center, and surrounding regions. As the area’s only 24/7 blood provider, it supplies lifesaving products to more than 170 hospitals and healthcare facilities across 26 counties. With an expanded mission focused on donor experience, innovation, and community impact, Gulf Coast Blood is advancing its role as a center of excellence in blood banking, biotherapies, and patient-centered care. Through industry expertise and strong community partnerships, the organization continues to lead efforts that strengthen the healthcare system and save lives across the Gulf Coast region.