DeTar Blood Drive Collects 35 Units, Potentially Helping 105 Patients

11/11/2026

Strong community response makes Nov. 5 event one of the largest blood collections in South Texas; Community members encouraged to donate and upcoming blood drives in Victoria

The Crossroads community came together for a lifesaving cause Nov. 5 as DeTar Healthcare System hosted a mobile blood drive at DeTar Hospital Navarro, collecting 35 units of blood — enough to potentially help 105 patients. The event welcomed 38 prospective donors, including six first-time donors. Following five medical deferrals, 33 successful donations were collected.

According to Joby Stortz, regional account manager for South Texas Blood & Tissue Center, the results were exceptional. The Nov. 5 drive ranked as the third-largest blood collection in all of South Texas that day and achieved the second-highest percentage of its collection goal at 97%. It is also projected to be the largest single-event blood collection in November south of San Antonio.

“This was a BIG win for the Victoria community, especially heading into the holidays,” Stortz said. “These events remind us how important every blood donor and supporter can be for patient care. Many individuals and families will be grateful for everyone’s generosity.”

DeTar Healthcare System CEO Brett Maxfield also recognized the generosity of the hospital’s team members who stepped up to donate.

“I am incredibly proud of our Team DeTar members who took time out of their busy schedules to give blood and make a difference in the lives of others,” Maxfield said. “Their generosity reflects the compassion and commitment that define who we are. Thank you for representing the DeTar Difference and showing what it means to care for our community.”

DeTar extends its appreciation to everyone who donated, volunteered and helped make the event a success. Every donation has the potential to save lives, and the community’s response is especially meaningful as the holiday season approaches.

More Opportunities to Give

Community members will have additional opportunities to support the regional blood supply through two upcoming blood drives.

One Community, One Mission, Two Locations to Give!

Monday, November 16 | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Two South Texas Blood & Tissue Center donor buses will be available at:

• Victoria College Health Science Building
• Texas A&M University-Victoria West Building

Both drives are open to the public.

Community Blood Drive – December 1

The Victoria Fire Department and Victoria Police Department will host a community blood drive on Tuesday, Dec. 1, at the City of Victoria Public Safety Headquarters, 2525 N. Main St.

Breakfast will be provided to donors at 7:30 a.m., with lunch served at 11:30 a.m. The event is sponsored by VCS Companies and South Texas Blood & Tissue Center. Those wishing to donate are encouraged to schedule their appointment in advance at https://donor.southtexasblood.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/157316.

Training Chief Dana Woodward with the Victoria Fire Department/Victoria Fire Academy, who is organizing the event, emphasized the importance of community participation.

“Just as our first responders are committed to protecting and serving our community, we recognize the importance of coming together to help save lives in another way. Donating blood is a simple act that can make an extraordinary difference for someone in need. We encourage everyone who is eligible to join us and give the gift of life.”

As the holiday season approaches, DeTar and its community partners encourage Crossroads residents to make blood donation part of their season of giving. Every donor matters, and every donation has the potential to change a life.

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