World Blood Donor Day (June 14) Highlights Urgent Need for Blood Donations in the Crossroads as Local Drives Help Save Lives
5/27/2026
In recognition of World Blood Donor Day on June 14, South Texas Blood & Tissue Center is taking a moment to thank the everyday lifesavers who roll up a sleeve and give blood. Behind every donation is a real person choosing to help someone they may never meet—patients in our hospitals and emergency rooms who depend on that generosity. Each unit of blood carries hope, healing, and often the chance at a second life.
Established by the World Health Organization (WHO), World Blood Donor Day is observed each year to raise awareness of the need for safe blood and blood products and to thank voluntary, unpaid blood donors for their life-saving contributions. The day also highlights the importance of regular donations to ensure blood supplies remain available for patients in need around the world.
Blood donations play a critical role in supporting patients across the Crossroads region and beyond. Every donation can help save up to four local lives, providing lifesaving support for trauma patients, surgical patients, cancer patients and others requiring transfusions.
On May 21, DeTar Hospital Navarro hosted a community blood drive where DeTar employees and community members came together in a powerful show of support, donating 36 units of blood—each unit with the potential to save up to three lives.
“Only about 3% of Americans donate blood each year,” said Joby Stortz, regional account manager for South Texas Blood & Tissue. “Yet even one donation has the potential to save multiple lives. If you can’t donate, we urge you to help by sharing the message on social media or encouraging someone else to step up.”
Stortz added that the need for blood in the Crossroads region remains critical. “The need for blood has reached urgent levels, and local patients are depending on donors to step up now. With less than a one-day supply of some blood types currently available, advance appointments are essential to ensure a successful blood drive. All blood types are desperately needed right now.”
According to national data:
More than 45,000 units of blood are transfused every day in the United States
More than 25% of donated blood is used for patients battling cancer
Fewer than 3% of eligible Americans donate blood each year
Every donation can help save up to three lives
DeTar's director of education and blood drive coordinator Lori Cantu emphasized the importance of community participation in maintaining a stable blood supply for local patients.
“Blood donations are one of the most direct ways we can support patients in our community,” Cantu said. “We are incredibly proud of our team members and community donors who continue to show up and give so generously. Every donation truly makes a difference, and we are grateful for every person who chooses to roll up a sleeve and help save lives.”
DeTar encourages community members to consider becoming regular blood donors and to help spread awareness about the ongoing need for all blood types. Those interested in hosting a blood drive or learning more can send an email here.
Stortz also recommended those ready and able to donate to visit the donation center at H-E-B Plus, 6106 N. Navarro. He shared they are open daily 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., except for Monday and Wednesday hours of 10:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. No appointment is needed, walk-ins are welcome, said Stortz.
Storz also shared that the Victoria community has several blood drives that are open to the public with walk-ins welcome. To see the full schedule, visit https://donor.southtexasblood.org/donor/schedules/geo.
Upcoming Community Blood Drives
Coldwell Banker D'Ann Harper Realtors in Victoria
Wednesday, June 17, 2026
10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
5606 North Navarro (Heritage Mark Building), Victoria, TX
TrustTexas Bank - Victoria
Wednesday, June 24, 2026
10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
2701 Sam Houston Dr., Victoria, TX
Service Supply
Thursday, June 25, 2026
10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
16012 NW Zac Lentz Parkway, Victoria, TX
Riverside Oaks
Tuesday, June 30, 2026
9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
3103 Airline Road, Victoria, TX
As World Blood Donor Day is recognized globally, DeTar Healthcare System reaffirms its commitment to supporting lifesaving blood donation efforts and ensuring patients across the region have access to the care they need when every second counts.
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