A critical regional blood shortage has prompted action to boost supplies. South Texas Blood and Tissue has launched its 20th annual blood drive, called "Give to Live", to address the shortage. This effort aims to combat the deficit in the region, which is part of a larger nationwide issue.

The "Give to Live" blood drive began on Friday. Further details about the drive and the current blood shortage are available from South Texas Blood and Tissue.

The launch of this annual drive marks an effort to replenish blood supplies and alleviate the critical shortage in the region, which mirrors the nationwide supply deficits.