Heavy Floods Cause Severe Damage and Potential Blood Shorages in Rio Grande Valley

EL PASO, TX — (Press Release) According to the National Weather Service, up to 15 inches of rain has fallen in the past 48 hours in many areas of the Rio Grande Valley.  This extreme weather event has impacted United Blood Services' ability to collect blood donations during a time when blood donations are already on a decline.
United Blood Services is the primary blood collection center and blood provider in Rio Grande Valley region.  Due to the catastrophic flooding, all mobile blood drives have canceled today and many of our staff are unable to report to work safely.
"Thus far, United Blood Services has potentially missed the opportunity to collect blood donations from as many as 263 donors," explained Rio Grande Valley United Blood Services Center Director Frank Esparza.  "Expecting that we won't fully recover through the weekend, we could potentially experience a loss of an additional 253 donations.  This is especially concerning as we approach the Fourth of July holiday - a time when donations decline dramatically due to vacations, travel and high schools out for the summer."
We are requesting that our dedicated donors in other areas step up to help out with this urgent situation to ensure we keep up with the needs of patient in the Rio Grande Valley and across the country.
Blood products have a limited shelf life - 42 days for red blood cells and just five days for platelets. Therefore, the blood supply must constantly be replenished.
United Blood Services, a Blood Systems blood center, is part of a multi-state system of blood centers.  This network works in tandem moving lifesaving donations throughout the system to help ensure blood is available when and where it is needed most. Individuals who are as young as 16 years of age (with parental consent), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in good general health may be eligible to donate.
United Blood Services Donation Center is located at 2020 W. Beauregard.

Hours:  Mon, Tue & Thur  Noon - 6pm    Wed & Fri  8am - 1.30pm    Sat  9am - 1.30pm
Mobile Blood Drives:
Fri, 6-22  Robert Lee Baptist Church     3pm - 6pm
Sat, 6-23  Lowe's Home Improvement   11am - 2pm
Please call 877-UBS-HERO (877-827-4376) or visit bloodhero.com to learn more or schedule an appointment.  Download the United Blood Services app.