Urgent Need for Blood Donations in San Antonio: Step Up with South Texas Blood & Tissue Center Amid Nationwide Shortage
A dangerous mix of severe winter weather and widespread flu outbreaks has created a nationwide blood shortage, prompting a joint emergency appeal for donors from the Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies (AABB), America’s Blood Centers, and the American Red Cross. But here in San Antonio, the South Texas Blood & Tissue Center is the primary local lifeline, and they are sounding the alarm: blood donations are needed now more than ever.
With winter storms forcing hundreds of blood drive cancellations across the country and hospitals reporting a 35% drop in the national blood supply in just the last month, the timing couldn’t be more critical. Blood components have a limited shelf life, and supply disruptions—especially during emergency events—can put trauma victims, cancer patients, and new mothers at serious risk.
Local San Antonio Blood Centers Taking the Lead
While the American Red Cross leads efforts nationally, it does not offer blood donation services in the San Antonio region. Instead, local residents rely on the South Texas Blood & Tissue Center (STBTC)—a nonprofit organization that has served the region for over 45 years. Their mission: to ensure a safe and consistent blood supply for South Texas hospitals.
The STBTC operates multiple donor centers throughout the greater San Antonio area, as well as in surrounding cities like Boerne, New Braunfels, and Victoria. The organization plays a vital role not just in providing blood products, but also in offering marrow, stem cell, cord blood, birth tissue, and tissue donation services.
“We understand that the gift of donation is a personal, powerful choice that has the potential to touch a life,” STBTC states on its website. “We couldn’t do this without donors like you.”
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Why Blood Donations Are Needed Now
According to the joint statement issued by AABB, America’s Blood Centers, and the Red Cross, more than 45,000 units of blood and blood products are needed daily in the U.S., yet current supplies are at dangerously low levels.
In Texas, where icy roads and freezing temperatures are forecasted, local blood drives could be delayed or canceled, making donations before the storm hits all the more urgent.
“These weather-related disruptions are compounding other seasonal challenges, including a severe flu season that has impacted many regular donors,” the statement reads.
When disaster strikes, it's the blood already on the shelves that saves lives. That’s why every donation made today can make an impact in the coming days.
Where San Antonio Residents Can Donate Blood
The South Texas Blood & Tissue Center offers several donor locations throughout San Antonio and surrounding areas. All sites accept appointments and walk-ins, although scheduling ahead is recommended due to high demand:
San Antonio Area Donor Centers:
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Donor Pavilion – 6211 IH-10 West, San Antonio, TX 78201
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Shavano Donor Center – 4079 N. Loop 1604 West, San Antonio, TX 78257
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Southeast Donor Center – 3103 SE Military Dr, San Antonio, TX 78223
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Westover Hills Donor Center – 10555 Culebra Rd., San Antonio, TX 78251
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Northeast Donor Center – 7529 N. Loop 1604 E, Live Oak, TX 78233
Nearby locations also include Boerne, Bulverde, New Braunfels, and Victoria.
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Donation Is Safe, Quick and Life-Saving
Blood donation is a safe and relatively quick process, usually taking less than an hour. Individuals who are feeling well, at least 16–17 years old (depending on state laws), weigh at least 110 pounds, and are in general good health are likely eligible to donate. Those who’ve recently received a flu vaccine can still donate if they are symptom-free.
“It was about 10 minutes from the time I started to feel faint until they had the blood in my system, and I was basically coming back to life,” said Reihaneh Hajibeigi, a mother who survived a near-fatal postpartum hemorrhage thanks to an available blood supply. “I think about the people who made it possible for me to live.”
Her story is one of many that highlight the real-world impact of donations.
San Antonio Residents Can Help Save Lives Today
With a dangerous freeze looming and a sharp decline in blood availability, San Antonio residents have a unique opportunity to protect their community. By donating at local South Texas Blood & Tissue Center sites, individuals can be the difference between life and death for patients in need.
Those unable to donate immediately due to weather or scheduling conflicts are encouraged to make an appointment for a future date—every donation still makes a difference.
San Antonio residents looking to help can find updated information on how and where to donate by visiting the South Texas Blood & Tissue Center’s website at SouthTexasBlood.org or calling 833-968-4483. With donor centers located throughout the metro area, it’s easier than ever to make a lifesaving appointment close to home.
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.