Hays County communities are rapidly growing, bringing new neighborhoods, schools and businesses to cities like Kyle, Buda and San Marcos.
As communities grow, so does the need for infrastructure that keeps them running safely. Among the most critical needs is a reliable local blood supply—ensuring hospitals and emergency responders have what they need when patients need it most.
This fall, We Are Blood will open a new donor center in Kyle, making it easier for southern Central Texas residents to give blood close to home and meet the region's growing demand.
The journey from 1951
Every day, We Are Blood collects blood and platelets to support patients across a 10-county region, supplying local hospitals with products needed for surgeries, cancer treatments, traumatic injuries, childbirth complications and other urgent medical situations.
While the mission has remained unchanged for 75 years, the scale of that responsibility has grown significantly.
Hays County’s rapid growth in Central Texas has made it crucial to We Are Blood’s ability to meet regional demand for lifesaving blood products.
“A new donor center will make blood donation even more convenient in this growing area of Central Texas,” said Nick Canedo, Vice President of Community Engagement. “With Kyle, Buda and San Marcos experiencing exponential population growth, it was an ideal place for We Are Blood to inspire new donors and make donation even more accessible.”
The Kyle donor center will open this fall, positioning the organization to meet the needs of a rapidly expanding population for years.
Meeting rising demand
For residents, the new Kyle donor center means donating blood locally without traveling outside the area. That convenience comes as demand rises.
According to We Are Blood’s “Every Drop Counts” strategic plan, the need for blood products is expected to increase by 25% by 2030 as the region grows. Unlike many medical resources, blood cannot be manufactured—it must come from volunteer donors, and some components have a short shelf life. Platelets, for example, expire in just five days, making consistent daily donations essential.
To meet that need, the Kyle donor center will offer whole blood, double red cell, plasma and platelet donations, along with regular appointment times to make giving more accessible and consistent.
The facility aims to strengthen the local donation pipeline, ensuring Central Texas hospitals and emergency responders have access to lifesaving blood when needed.
From donor to patient
Many donors never see where their donation goes, but blood collected through We Are Blood stays in Central Texas, supporting patients during emergencies, surgeries, cancer treatment and other lifesaving care.
In Hays County, donations supply hospitals and emergency responders, including Ascension Seton Hays, Baylor Scott & White Buda, CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Hospital–San Marcos, Buda Fire Department EMS Division and Hays County ESD No. 9 serving Kyle.
“Every minute counts when a patient is suffering life-threatening blood loss. Through our partnership with We Are Blood, Buda Fire Department can begin whole blood transfusions before reaching the hospital,” said Sam Schuleman, EMS Division Chief for the Buda Fire Department.
We Are Blood exclusively supplies blood products to over 50 hospitals, clinics and EMS agencies in Central Texas, meaning each donation directly supports patients when seconds matter.
“When a patient is fighting for their life, time is their most valuable resource. Whole blood allows Hays County ESD 9 paramedics to deliver proven, lifesaving care before the patient reaches the emergency department,” said Brandon Hill, EMS chief for Hays County ESD No. 9.
Preparing for what’s next
As healthcare needs evolve, We Are Blood is planning for the future through its five-year strategic plan, “Every Drop Counts,” which focuses on expanding donor access, investing in advanced medical technology and strengthening community engagement.
The new Kyle donor center is part of that effort, bringing expanded access to blood donation in one of Central Texas’ fastest-growing areas while helping support the region’s long-term supply needs.
The plan also includes investments in therapeutic apheresis technology to support specialized treatments, including the region’s first pediatric stem-cell transplant program.
More than a donation
The strategy is about people. Many residents assume blood shortages only occur after disasters or major accidents. In reality, the need is constant because patients require transfusions daily. A reliable supply depends on local donors consistently helping neighbors they may never meet.
"This strategic plan ensures that we can meet the substantial increase in blood products needed to support local patients and provide the necessary resources for community resilience," said Marian Garrard, CEO of We Are Blood.
For potential donors, the donation experience is convenient and simple. A typical donation appointment only takes about 45 minutes from arrival to departure, but the impact extends far beyond that visit.
Donate today
As Central Texas grows, new hospitals will open, healthcare programs will expand, and emergency services will evolve. One thing will remain unchanged: Every unit of blood used to save a life will come from a community member who chose to donate.
After 75 years of serving Central Texas, We Are Blood's future still depends on the same simple act that has sustained it from the beginning—neighbors helping neighbors, one donation at a time.
Learn more: Kyle Donor Center | We Are Blood.
The above story was produced by Multi-Platform Journalist Chloe Chapel, with the Community Impact's Storytelling team, using information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.
