The national blood supply has fallen to dangerously low levels. In July, the American Red Cross declared a national blood supply crisis for only the second time in its history after donations reached a four-year summer low. When inventories fall, hospitals face greater challenges maintaining the blood products needed for emergencies, surgeries, cancer care, complicated deliveries, and other serious medical needs.
A Donation Supports Patients Across the Region
Blood comes from volunteer donors, and it must be replenished continually because blood products have limited shelf lives. Someone in the United States needs blood about every two seconds, and a single donation may help multiple patients.
For Eden, Menard, and Concho County residents, donating in San Angelo is a practical way to support the supply used by hospitals and emergency care teams throughout Texas.
“We encourage everyone who can to donate life-saving blood,” said Bob Pascasio, Administrator, Concho County Hospital District. “It doesn’t take much time, and it really is the gift of life. We see the impact of donations every day in the care we provide, and having an adequate national supply of blood is critical for hospitals’ ability to provide 24/7 care to all who need it.”
Current Donation Opportunities Near Concho County
• Monday, August 10: Chick-fil-A Knickerbocker, 1609 Knickerbocker Road, San Angelo, from 1 to 5 p.m.
• Tuesday, August 11: 1st Community Federal Credit Union, 3505 Wildwood, San Angelo, from 1 to 4 p.m.
• Thursday, August 13: Texas Department of Transportation, 4502 Knickerbocker Road, San Angelo, from 8 a.m. to noon.
• Wednesday, August 19: Shannon Medical Center Cancer Center conference room, 131 E. Beauregard Ave., San Angelo, from 2 to 6 p.m.
Permanent donation center: Vitalant San Angelo Blood Donation Center, 2020 W. Beauregard Ave., San Angelo. Hours are:
• Monday through Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Thursday, noon to 7 p.m.
• Friday and Saturday, 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Sunday, 8 a.m. to noon.
The center is closed every other Sunday. Call 877-258-4825.
Drive schedules and appointment availability can change. Confirm the date, time, and available appointment before traveling.
Find Additional Donation Opportunities
• Vitalant: www.vitalant.org or 877-258-4825. Search ZIP code 76837 for current appointments and mobile drives.
• American Red Cross: RedCrossBlood.org or 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
• America's Blood Centers: AmericasBlood.org
• AABB Blood Donation Locator: WhereToDonateBlood.org
Before donating, review eligibility guidance, make an appointment when possible, eat a healthy meal, drink plenty of water, and bring the identification requested by the donation organization.
Concho County Hospital encourages eligible residents to consider donating. One appointment in San Angelo can help ensure blood is ready for patients facing an emergency or serious illness across Texas.