Laredo’s Summer Blood Drive Reaches New Heights With Record Turnout

Community collaboration and creative incentives help fill urgent regional blood shortages

In a show of extraordinary community spirit, Laredo residents turned out in record numbers on Monday to support the city’s summer blood drive—an event that’s shaping up to be one of the most successful in South Texas this year. Organized by the Laredo Chamber of Commerce in partnership with South Texas Blood & Tissue Center, the two-day drive (July 14–15) is addressing an urgent regional blood shortage while strengthening ties between local businesses, healthcare providers, and families.

Saving Lives, One Pint at a Time

Held at the Chamber’s headquarters on McPherson Road, the event drew lines before doors opened at 9 a.m. The goal: collect enough units of blood to support area hospitals that are currently running below safe operating levels. As of Monday afternoon, more than 160 donors had registered—many of them first-time participants.

“It’s overwhelming—in the best way possible,” said Liza Guzman, community engagement manager with South Texas Blood & Tissue. “We’ve had high schoolers, city employees, and seniors all showing up. The need is real, and the community is responding.”

The blood collected will help supply trauma victims, surgical patients, and children undergoing cancer treatments at facilities like Laredo Medical Center and Doctor’s Hospital of Laredo.

Local Incentives, Big Impact

Organizers credit much of the drive’s success to strategic community partnerships. Donors received Valero gas cards valued between $10 and $150 (drawn at random), plus coupons for free pizza from local favorite 550 Pizzeria. A raffle table offered giveaways ranging from Bluetooth speakers to fitness gear. Community health volunteers provided free blood pressure and glucose screenings on-site.

Beyond the incentives, however, the messaging hit home. With the campaign theme “You Give, They Live,” volunteers reminded donors of the personal, life-saving nature of each donation. A testimonial board near the check-in desk displayed handwritten notes from past blood recipients and their families, reinforcing the human impact behind each pint.

Building a Sustainable Giving Culture

Ana Martinez of the Laredo Chamber said the event is more than a single-day effort—it’s part of a broader strategy to build a culture of consistent giving in the region. “We want this to be the norm, not the exception,” she said. Plans are already underway to establish a quarterly donation schedule and launch high school blood drive competitions in the fall.

The South Texas Blood & Tissue Center echoed that message. “The goal isn’t just to replenish reserves today,” Guzman said. “It’s to make sure we never run out again.”

Interested donors who missed the July 14 event can still register to give blood on July 15 or schedule appointments throughout the summer at the South Texas Blood & Tissue website.