The McKinney Fire Department has launched a new program aimed at giving patients in life-threatening situations access to blood before they get to the hospital.

The full story: Department officials announced the launch of its prehospital blood program in February, according to a city news release. As of Feb. 16, the program allows specially equipped medical units to carry and administer blood to critically ill or injured patients en route to the hospital.

The department will carry O-positive blood, which is widely used in emergency situations and considered a safe and effective option for most patients. The blood will be available 24 hours a day and can be dispatched by emergency communications or sent with a medical unit dispatched to calls meeting certain medical criteria.

A closer look: Before the program was launched, patients received intravenous fluids such as saline while being transported by ambulance. Medical research shows that giving blood earlier can improve outcomes for patients experiencing severe trauma.

The Wellness Room Chiropractic + Recovery is tentatively scheduled to open a McKinney location in March, Founder and Doctor of Chiropractic Joey Pinney said.

What they will offer: Pinney said the health industry business, featuring a spa-like setting, will offer a variety of services including chiropractic care, private sauna and cold plunge suites.

• 2152 N. Lake Forest Drive, Ste. 400, McKinney

Ring in the spring at these 15 festivals and events across the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

1. Texas Storytelling Festival: This four-day festival presents a range of storytelling activities, from folklore and ghost stories to poetry slams and oratory workshops. The festival also features a liars contest, an event where participants compete to see who can tell the most outlandish and entertaining story.

• March 12-15, times vary by day
• General admission tickets start at $60
• 321 E. McKinney St., Denton

• April 10-12, times vary by day
• Free (admission)
• 111 N. Tennessee St., McKinney

• May 9, 2-9 p.m.
• Free (admission)
• 142 N. Ohio St., Celina

Stay informed on four road projects happening in McKinney and Flower Mound. 

Collin County

1. Bloomdale Road and Spur 195 realignment
Project: A construction and realignment project for the 4-lane Bloomdale Road will create a new connection at SH 5. A multilane roundabout will also be constructed at the intersection of Bloomdale Road and Spur 195.
Update: Design work on the project is 30% completed.

• Timeline: May 2025-late 2026 (design), construction to begin in spring 2027
• Cost: $6.6 million
• Funding source: city of McKinney

• Timeline: spring 2026-summer 2027
• Cost: $6.93 million
• Funding sources: town of Flower Mound