For most, a 30-minute blood donation visit might seem like a small gesture. But for someone fighting cancer, recovering from surgery or surviving a severe accident, it can be the difference between life and death.
The American Red Cross Central and South Texas Region relies on local donors to keep lifesaving blood flowing—and the need never stops.
“Blood can’t be manufactured; it relies on the generosity of donors,” Chief Development Officer Reihaneh Hajibeigi said. “It’s a life-or-death responsibility we prioritize daily.”
Why every donation matters
The Red Cross provides 40% of the nation’s blood supply, serving patients across Texas and the U.S. From new mothers facing postpartum complications to sickle cell and cancer patients needing specialized platelets, each donation meets a critical need.
Blood is always in high demand, yet only 2 to 3% of eligible donors give—making every community member’s participation essential.
Diversity among donors is vital in a state as diverse as Texas. Certain populations carry unique blood markers critical for matching patients. For example, Latino donors are more likely to have O-negative blood, while Black donors are key for sickle cell patients.
This mix makes Central Texas a crucial hub for blood collection and highlights how every donor can make a lifesaving difference.
Meeting critical needs year-round
Blood supply can be unpredictable, fluctuating due to natural disasters, severe weather, seasonal illnesses and other unexpected events.
In early January, the Red Cross issued an emergency appeal after winter storms and a severe flu season forced cancellations of blood drives. Now, as summer approaches and hurricane season looms, maintaining sufficient reserves is critical.
“Even when things stabilize, we need to collect at high levels,” Hajibeigi said. “One disaster or mass-casualty event can put a community at risk.”
That’s why the Red Cross emphasizes regular donations from all eligible donors.
Who can donate and how to give
Eligible donors must be at least 16 years old and can give whole blood every 56 days. Certain travel, medical or lifestyle factors may temporarily prevent donation, but the Red Cross screens each donor before every donation to ensure safety.
Scheduling a donation is easier than ever: visit www.redcrossblood.org or use the Blood Donor app to find nearby blood drives, set an appointment and complete pre-screening questionnaires online.
Donation options include whole blood, platelets or power red, which collects twice the usual amount in one visit. The process typically takes about 10 minutes, plus a short recovery period with snacks and hydration.
With the new blood donation center under construction in East Austin, Central Texas donors will soon have a permanent, weekday-accessible location, making it easier to donate regularly and support a stable local blood supply.
A new home for Austin donors
For over 50 years, the American Red Cross Central and South Texas Region has relied on local partners such as schools, corporations and community groups to host blood drives.
Central Texas donors will have a permanent place to give. A new blood donation center is under construction in East Austin, offering a dedicated facility for weekday donations.
“This center will transform how much we can collect locally,” Hajibeigi said. “It’s not just about meeting national demand; we’ll build a stable blood supply in Austin and serve our community more efficiently.”
The nearly 15,000‑square‑foot building will also expand the region's capacity to train volunteers, manage disaster‑response resources and offer a welcoming space for clients to complete recovery casework. It will also serve as a more efficient headquarters during major disasters, equipped with modern technology to support faster, seamless mission delivery.
In addition, the facility will double as a community hub, providing space for social‑service partners to collaborate with the Red Cross and offer comprehensive support to neighbors in need.
Make a lifesaving donation
For blood recipients, the impact is profound. In 2023, Hajibeigi needed a lifesaving donation after childbirth complications.
“I was a new mom who thought this would be the last time I saw my baby,” Hajibeigi said. “I wouldn’t be here today without the generosity of donors. It’s hard to express, but knowing someone gave a small part of themselves to save my life—and allow me to be with my baby—is unforgettable.”
Every donation, whether at a blood drive or the new Austin Center, can save a life.
To make a difference, scheduling a donation is simple— visit www.redcrossblood.org or use the Blood Donor app to find a nearby blood drive, set an appointment, and learn about the donation options.
The above story was produced by Multi Platform Journalist Chloe Chapel with Community Impact's Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.