Blood donation is one of the simplest and most impactful ways to help others, yet only 1 in 20 eligible donors regularly give blood, even though 1 in 7 hospital patients will need a transfusion in their lifetime. For Cy-Fair-area residents, donating blood is now more convenient than ever thanks to the Cy-Fair Neighborhood Donor Center, part of Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center. Conveniently located at 11811 FM 1960 W, Suite 120, Houston, TX 77065, the center offers a welcoming environment for donors looking to make a lifesaving difference close to home.

Why Blood Donation Matters in the Greater Houston Area

There is no substitute for blood, and hospitals rely on donations to treat patients undergoing cancer treatments, surgeries, traumatic injuries, and more. Every single blood donation can save up to three lives because a single unit can be divided into:

• Red blood cells, which help trauma and surgery patients
• Plasma, often used to treat burn victims and those in shock
• Platelets, essential for cancer patients and those undergoing bone marrow transplants

The need for blood is constant—Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center requires 1,000 donations every day to serve 170 hospitals and healthcare facilities across 26 counties, including Houston’s Texas Medical Center, the largest medical center in the world. Since 1975, Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center has been committed to saving lives in Houston and beyond.

As a nonprofit blood provider, it operates 24/7, ensuring that hospitals and medical facilities always have the resources they need. By donating at the Cy-Fair Neighborhood Donor Center, local residents can help ensure there is always a stable supply.

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How Cy-Fair Residents Can Donate Blood

Donating blood at the Cy-Fair Neighborhood Donor Center is easy and typically takes less than an hour from start to finish. The center operates on the following schedule:

• Monday – Saturday: 8 AM – 4 PM
• Sunday: Closed

Appointments can be scheduled online at Commit for Life or by calling 281-469-1964. Walk-ins are also welcome, making it even easier for busy individuals to stop by and donate.

What to Expect During a Blood Donation

Donors go through a simple six-step process to ensure a safe and efficient donation:

1. Registration – Donors provide a photo ID and basic health information.
2. Health Screening – A mini physical checks blood pressure, temperature, heart rate, and hemoglobin levels.
3. Donation Preparation – A technician cleans the donor’s arm and prepares for the draw.
4. Blood Donation – The process takes about 5-10 minutes for whole blood, while platelet donations take a bit longer.
5. Recovery Time – Donors receive snacks and drinks to help them regain energy.
6. Donor Rewards – Donors can track their health stats and earn points for gift cards in the Donor Rewards Store.

The Perks of Giving Blood at Cy-Fair Donor Center

Beyond the life-saving impact, donors receive several benefits:

• Receive a text message when their donation is on its way to a local hospital
• Earn donor rewards that can be redeemed for gift cards
• Gold-level donors qualify for an Advanced Wellness Check, including cholesterol and heart health screenings

For those who prefer to give platelets or plasma, the center also offers automated donations, which take about two hours and can be done every seven days, up to 24 times per year. Platelets, which only have a five-day shelf life, are especially needed for cancer patients.

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How to Prepare for a Blood Donation

To ensure a safe and successful donation, Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center recommends that donors:

• Eat a nutritious meal before arriving
• Drink plenty of water and fluids
• Get a good night’s sleep the night before
• Bring a valid photo ID

Do you donate blood often, or would you like to? Donors can also speed up the process by completing the CFL Express Pass health history interview at home before arriving.

Every Donation Counts – Make a Difference in Cy-Fair

The Cy-Fair Neighborhood Donor Center gives residents a local, convenient way to give back, ensuring that blood is available whenever emergencies arise.

Donating blood is a simple yet powerful act—and for those living in Cy-Fair, it’s easier than ever. Whether donating once or becoming a regular donor, every contribution makes a difference.

To schedule an appointment or learn more, visit Commit for Life or call 281-469-1964.

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.