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Harris County ESD 11 rolls out new plasma transfusion capabilities

Harris County Emergency Service District No. 11 rolled out a new program that allows ambulances to begin carrying blood plasma to administer to patients experiencing heavy blood loss in emergencies.

The big picture: HCESD 11 officials announced that several ambulances will now carry blood plasma to be able to offer transfusions to patients before they arrive at a hospital. HCESD11 Chief Quality Officer Kevin Crocker said the program will also help the district move toward offering whole blood transfusions, which are usually only able to be done at hospitals.

Quote of note: “Harris County ESD 11 will begin providing life-saving plasma to patients experiencing significant blood loss before they get to the hospital. Plasma will be carried on our supervisor vehicles, so we want to partner with Gulf Coast Blood and do our part to source blood for the cause,” Harris County ESD 11 CEO Jordan Anderson said.

 
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Around Town
6 places to shop small in Old Town Spring 

There are several locally owned bars, eateries and boutiques to visit on a date night or a day out in Old Town Spring.

Elixir Lounge
Chris Jepson is shaking up the bar scene with alcohol-free cocktails made with kava and kratom at Elixir Lounge in Old Town Spring. Founded on Aug. 30, 2022, to offer a vibrant alternative to the traditional bar scene, Elixir Lounge offers a place full of energy and connection without the presence of alcohol.

  • 206 Main St., Spring

Corkscrew BBQ
Owned by Will and Nichole Buckman, Corkscrew BBQ offers a variety of meats by the pound, including brisket, turkey breast, pulled pork and pork ribs as well as barbecue plates with sides and fixings, tacos, and sandwiches.
  • 26608 Keith St., Spring

Alida’s Closet Boutique
Alida’s Closet Boutique specializes in affordable new vintage women's clothing, including Western and boho clothing, and offers accessories such as purses, shoes and jewelry, and items such as candles, wax melts and soaps.
  • 202-1 Main St., Spring
 
Metro News
MD Anderson Cancer Center opens Colorectal Center

On March 19, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center announced the opening of its new Colorectal Center located on the second floor of its Duncan Building, per a news release.

More details: The 24,565-square-foot center blends art and technology, aiming to create a calm, healing environment focused on patient experience, per the news release. This center includes 32 exam rooms, along with a lobby featuring three focus rooms. Patients will have access to supportive services such as nutrition counseling, pain management, genetic counseling and risk assessment.

Quote of note: “When we treat young patients, we are addressing more than just the cancer,” Dr. Y. Nancy You, professor of colon and rectal surgery and director of the young-onset colorectal cancer program, said via news release. “We also recognize the significant psychological impact that a diagnosis can have on their lives. This new center provides a dedicated space where we can deliver personalized, whole-person care and walk that journey with every patient, so they know they are not alone."

 

Your Weekend To-Do List

Check out these weekend events across the metro area.

Wild West Brewfest

Tomball German Festival

March 26-28, times vary
Katy

March 27-29, times vary
Tomball

Learn more.

Learn more.

 

Lake Houston Bridgefest 2026

Open Mic Night

March 28, 8 a.m.
Kingwood

March 28, 5-8 p.m.
Friendswood

Learn more.

Learn more.

 
To submit your own event, click here.

CI Texas
Data: See where the most Texas students are applying for education savings accounts

More than 229,000 students have applied to receive state funds for private education or homeschooling under Texas’ education savings account program, according to the state comptroller’s office.

By the numbers: State data indicates that the most applications have been submitted on behalf of students living in urban areas and the surrounding suburban communities. As of March 8, students living in Houston ISD’s boundaries led the pack with over 8,900 applications, followed by 6,700 applicants in Dallas ISD.

The data reflects how many students living in each district's boundaries have applied, including those not currently enrolled in a public school.

The background: State lawmakers created the Texas Education Freedom Accounts program in 2025.

Students accepted for the 2026-27 school year will receive $10,474 for private education or up to $2,000 for homeschool. Students with disabilities can receive up to $30,000 each.

More details: Of the first 152,000 program applicants, nearly three-quarters were not enrolled in a public school during the 2025-26 school year, data obtained by the Texas Center for Voucher Transparency shows.

 

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