Community Shows Up Big for Life-saving Cause at DeTar Blood Drive; DeTar Healthcare System Celebrates Record-setting Turnout Amid Critical Blood Shortage
8/7/2025
In the face of a region-wide blood shortage, the Crossroads community responded with overwhelming generosity during today’s Community Blood Drive hosted by DeTar Healthcare System in partnership with South Texas Blood & Tissue. Held on Thursday, August 7, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at DeTar Medical Plaza, the event not only met—but shattered—collection goals.
A total of 36 community members came out to donate, with 30 successful donations, including 7 first-time donors. In all, 31 units of blood were collected—an impressive 172% of the event’s 18-unit goal. According to South Texas Blood & Tissue Account Manager, Joby Stortz,, DeTar’s drive was the #1 largest blood collection in South Texas today, both in units collected and percentage of goal reached.
“This remarkable turnout is a direct reflection of the compassion and commitment of our DeTar staff,” said Emily Weatherly, director of marketing at DeTar Healthcare System. “Our team showed up in a big way—not just by donating, but by rallying others and leading by example. These 31 units of blood could impact up to 93 lives, and that kind of impact starts with people who care deeply about their community.”
Stortz also shared that this drive marks the largest DeTar blood collection in the past six years, beating last year’s record by one donor. Over the past seven years, DeTar has hosted 33 community blood drives, welcoming 82 first-time donors and collecting a total of 454 units of life-saving blood, helping up to 1,362 patients across South Texas.
“We're in a critical situation,” said Stortz. “We currently have less than a one-day supply of O-positive and O-negative blood and under three days of all other types. DeTar’s effort today made a meaningful difference during a time of urgent need.”
Stortz also noted the value of summer drives like this one, as donations drop during school breaks and vacations—yet the need never stops. “More than 25% of donated blood goes to patients battling cancer. Every donation matters, and the people of Victoria showed that today.”
Donors were welcomed aboard the South Texas Blood & Tissue Bloodmobile—a mobile donation bus stationed at DeTar Hospital Navarro—and many were motivated not just by the need, but by the chance to give back close to home.
“If you can’t give blood, help by spreading the word,” added Stortz. “We need everyone—whether it’s donating, encouraging others, or just sharing a message online. That ripple effect saves lives.”
Local Need Remains High – Upcoming Blood Drives
While today’s event was a clear success, Victoria County still struggles with low turnout at blood drives and donation centers. Most mobile drives in the area see just 3–5 donors—far short of the 11–18 needed daily. “By making just one additional blood donation per year, we could offset these numbers and make a huge difference in someone’s life. Although sign-ups are encouraged, almost every blood drive accepts and needs walk-in support,” said Stortz.
Community members are encouraged to participate in one of several open-to-the-public drives happening in August:
Supplied with Love – Teacher’s Appreciation Market
Saturday, August 9 | 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
402 E. Power Ave, Victoria, TX
Victoria Farmers' Market Blood Drives
Saturday, August 9 & August 23 | 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
2805 N. Navarro, Victoria, TX
Victoria Electric Cooperative
Tuesday, August 26 | 7 a.m. – 12 p.m.
5502 US Hwy. 59 N, Victoria, TX
Why It Matters
- More than 25% of blood is used by cancer patients
- 45,000 units are transfused every day in the U.S.
- Less than 3% of eligible Americans donate
- All blood types are urgently needed year-round
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