HCESD 48 to Host Blood Drive: How Oak Park Trails Residents Can Donate Blood on February 27 and Help Save Local Lives
When emergencies happen in Oak Park Trails, residents rely on their local fire department to show up without hesitation. On Friday, February 27, Harris County Emergency Services District No. 48 (HCESD 48) is asking neighbors to show up for the community in a different way — by rolling up a sleeve and donating blood.
The HCESD 48 Administration will host a Gulf Coast Blood drive from 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., giving residents a convenient opportunity to directly support patients across the Greater Houston area. For families in Oak Park Trails, it’s a reminder that life-saving efforts don’t only happen in emergency scenes — they also happen through everyday acts of generosity.
HCESD 48 Blood Drive Details for Oak Park Trails Residents
The blood drive will take place on a donor coach stationed at HCESD 48 Administration:
- Date: Friday, February 27, 2026
- Time: 1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Location: HCESD 48 Administration, 21201 Morton Rd, Katy, TX 77449
- Hosted by: Harris County Emergency Services District No. 48
Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins are welcome. Residents can visit commitforlife.org to schedule an appointment. Donors are encouraged to eat beforehand, drink plenty of fluids and bring a valid photo I.D.
As a thank-you, donors will receive a free quarter-zip pullover, and each donation includes a complimentary A1c diabetes screening test, offering a helpful snapshot of blood sugar levels at no additional cost.
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Why Blood Donation Matters in Greater Houston
Gulf Coast Blood — formerly known as Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center — serves more than 170 hospitals and healthcare facilities across Southeast Texas. The organization provides blood for trauma patients, cancer treatments, premature infants, surgical procedures and individuals managing chronic illnesses.
According to Gulf Coast Blood, one blood donation can help save up to three lives, as blood is separated into components — red cells, plasma and platelets — that can benefit multiple patients. Blood cannot be manufactured, which means hospitals depend entirely on volunteer donors.
Winter months often bring seasonal shortages, making community blood drives like the one hosted by HCESD 48 especially important. Donations impact real children and real families — sometimes right here in the local area.
What Happens Next
Community blood drives help stabilize the regional blood supply, particularly ahead of high-demand seasons and unexpected emergencies. Each appointment scheduled helps Gulf Coast Blood better prepare hospitals throughout the Greater Houston area.
Residents who are eligible to donate — generally healthy individuals at least 17 years old (16 with parental consent), meeting weight and health requirements — are encouraged to consider participating.
For those unable to donate, sharing the event with neighbors, church groups or local organizations can also make an impact.
In a community served daily by dedicated first responders, this is one way neighbors can serve alongside them.
Stay connected with My Neighborhood News for more updates on local events, public safety initiatives and ways residents in Oak Park Trails can support their local community.
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.