Del Rio Chamber hosts community blood drive at visitors bureau today

Val Verde County residents are being asked to give what local hospitals and clinics rely on most: blood. The Del Rio Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau is hosting a community blood drive today from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Chamber offices, with appointments managed through the South Texas Blood & Tissue Center.

Donors who participate will receive a free long-sleeve shirt. Appointments are required and must be scheduled through the South Texas Blood & Tissue Center scheduling link; donors are advised to confirm available time slots and eligibility on that scheduling page before arriving. Community blood drives like this one typically involve local partners and aim to top up regional blood supplies that support emergency rooms, surgeries and routine care across Val Verde County.

The event puts a spotlight on a routine but critical civic function. Local drives are often the most direct way for communities to influence the stability of hospital inventories without relying on distant supply chains. In a county with a single hospital system and multiple clinics drawing on the same regional resources, each donor can shift inventory status for urgent needs.

Organizers emphasize coordination between the Chamber and the South Texas Blood & Tissue Center for scheduling and donor screening. While details and availability can change throughout the day, the posted schedule indicates a five-hour window for donations at the Chamber location. Those planning to donate should use the organizer’s scheduling page to confirm appointment times and eligibility requirements.

For civic-minded residents, the drive is a straightforward way to contribute to public health. Community blood drives also serve as a visible example of local mutual aid, drawing participation from neighborhoods, churches, schools and businesses. Sustained participation in these events helps stabilize supply levels and reduces the likelihood of shortages that can affect routine surgeries and emergency care.

What this means for Val Verde County is immediate: a concentrated opportunity to replenish regional blood supplies and an easy volunteer action for residents. If you intend to give today, confirm your appointment and eligibility on the South Texas Blood & Tissue Center scheduling page and plan to arrive within your scheduled time window so the community drive can run smoothly and serve the most patients.