Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center Calls for Support Following Winter Storm Disruptions

The recent winter storm that swept through our area disrupted the community’s blood supply. Hazardous conditions led to the cancellation of numerous blood drives and a noticeable drop in donor turnout, creating challenges for maintaining a steady supply of blood for local hospitals.
We need 1,000 blood donations a day to sustain the blood supply for our community’s hospitals. While these disruptions have been difficult, Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring that patients in our community have access to the life-saving blood products they need. We invite our community to help rebuild the supply by taking action in two meaningful ways:
1. Donate Blood: Every donation can save up to three lives. We encourage our community to schedule an appointment and donate blood. Donating blood with Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center directly supports patients in area hospitals. Visit giveblood.org to find a convenient donation center or blood drive near you.
2. Host a Blood Drive: Businesses, schools, places of worship, and organizations are invited to host blood drives throughout the year. Organizing a drive is easy, free, and can save even more lives. For more information on hosting a blood drive, visit giveblood.org/hostablooddrive.
All blood types are needed to help restore the supply that was disrupted by the winter storm. If you are feeling healthy, we encourage you to schedule an appointment to donate. Every contribution helps sustain our community’s strength and resilience.
To show our gratitude, everyone who donates between Wednesday, January 22 and Friday, January 24 will receive points worth $20 toward an eGift card in the Donor Rewards Store and a free A1c test (diabetes screening). This test monitors long-term blood sugar levels and supports your health while you help save lives.
For 50 years, Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center has proudly served 170 hospitals across a 26-county area, including the Texas Medical Center—the largest medical center in the world. Our mission extends beyond collecting blood; it’s about ensuring every patient has access to safe, effective blood products when they need them most. Together, we can keep our region strong and ensure no patient goes without the care they deserve.
January 22, 2025