MCALLEN, Texas — Rio Grande Regional Hospital brought together colleagues, community partners and the Salinas family during Donate Life Month to honor the legacy of organ, eye and tissue donation. The hospital is also inviting the community to help save lives by donating blood at an upcoming drive on Wednesday, April 29.
“Donate Life Month is a time to raise awareness about organ, eye and tissue donation — and to honor donors and donor families whose loved ones create hope and healing for others,” said Laura Disque, CEO of Rio Grande Regional Hospital. “We’re grateful to be together with our community partners and most importantly, the Salinas family, who we are here to honor today.”
The ceremony included an invocation and remarks from hospital leaders, along with recognition of partners who support donation services and family care, including Texas Organ Sharing Alliance, South Texas Blood and Tissue and San Antonio Eye Bank.
“For our nursing and clinical teams, donation is personal,” said Alfred Mascorro, chief nursing officer at Rio Grande Regional Hospital. “Organ, eye and tissue donation is one of the clearest and most powerful expressions of our mission. Through this work, we extend our ability to save lives even in the most difficult moments.”
As part of Donate Life Month, Rio Grande Regional Hospital encourages Rio Grande Valley residents to consider giving blood, which can help patients facing surgery, trauma, cancer treatment and other serious conditions.
Community blood drive
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
9:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
Rio Grande Regional Hospital, Classroom 1A/B
The blood drive will be hosted in partnership with Vitalant. Appointments are encouraged. Community members can schedule a donation time by scanning the QR code on the event flyer or visiting Vitalant's website.