Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center and Gulf Coast Blood need 1,000 donations every day to keep local hospitals supplied, and area residents can help close that gap at a community blood drive on Tuesday, Aug. 25.

The drive runs from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Shenandoah Conference Room on the third floor of the hospital's South Tower at 9250 Pinecroft Drive, according to an event announcement on Hello Woodlands. Both whole blood and platelet donations are accepted.

Every donor walks away with a coupon for a free pint of Blue Bell Ice Cream, a Gulf Coast Blood tote bag and refreshments.

Why it matters now

Houston-area blood donations fell to a four-year summer low in 2026, according to Axios Houston. All blood types are needed, with O negative and O positive especially critical. Gulf Coast Blood, a nonprofit that has served the region since 1975, supplies 170 hospitals across 26 counties and is the sole around-the-clock blood provider for greater Houston.

"Summer donation patterns can create challenges for blood availability, but our community has the opportunity to stay ahead of those challenges by making an appointment to donate," Stephanie Jacksis, Gulf Coast Blood's corporate communications manager, told Axios Houston on Aug. 3.

How to sign up

Blood drive coordinator Karen Bilsing is organizing the event at Memorial Hermann. Appointment slots were still available as of Wednesday, Aug. 12, running from 7:45 a.m. through 3:15 p.m. Residents can schedule online or contact Bilsing at 713-897-2392.

Getting there

Free valet parking is available at the hospital's main entrance off Medical Plaza Drive. Donors who self-park can use Garage 2 and take the sky bridge from Level D directly to the conference center.

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