Where to donate blood near me? ABC13 and Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center to partner again for drive on Thursday, March 5, 2026

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) – Eyewitness News is once again partnering with Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center For our annual blood donation drive in honor of the center’s mission to meet local demand, which requires approximately 1,000 blood donations daily.

The ABC13 Blood Drive will be held on Thursday, March 5 from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m
Where: ABC13 Studios, 3310 Bissonnette Street, Houston, TX 77005

Register now to schedule your donation by following this link.

Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins are welcome.

All successful donors will receive a Gulf Coast Blood Power Bank and an A1C test.

Be sure to add KTRK/ABC13 to your schedule.

Plus, your blood donation stays in our community.

How do I know if I am eligible to donate blood?

The following requirements for all blood and blood component donors:

– Must be 17 years or older or 16 years old* with a parental consent form (*16 year olds are only eligible to donate whole blood).
– Proof of identity must be presented when donating.
– He must feel healthy on the day of donation.

There are also specific donor requirements for donation types such as whole blood, paired red cells, platelets and plasma, which you can view here.

Additionally, people who have deferred may now be eligible to give thanks Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommended changes in 2023.

How do I prepare for my donation?

– Make sure to eat a hearty meal and drink plenty of fluids before donating.
– Get a good night’s sleep the night before donating.
– Complete your health questionnaire.

Gulf Coast Blood also has extensive materials to help prepare first-time donors, including what to expect before, during, and after donation.

Find this information on their preparation page.

Quick facts about Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center

– Gulf Coast Blood is the only 24/7 blood provider in Houston and surrounding communities.
Blood donors in the United States are unpaid volunteers, and each donation supports critical care such as surgeries, cancer treatments, and emergency procedures.
-Gulf Coast Blood has served the community since January 1, 1975.
-The 501c3 non-profit is not affiliated with the American Red Cross.
– Gulf Coast Blood is one of the largest community blood centers in the country, supporting more than 170 hospitals in 26 counties, including the Texas Medical Center.

In addition to the above, Gulf Coast Blood opened a new donor center at the Texas Medical Center in 2025, with plans to open two additional donor centers in 2026.

You can read more about the organization’s 2025 impact and plans for 2026 here.