Winter Safety for Seniors: A Call for Blankets and Space Heaters
The winter season in South Texas is marked by cooler temperatures, with nighttime lows dipping into the 40s and 50s Fahrenheit from late December through mid-February. Occasionally, cold fronts may even bring temperatures below freezing. It is during this season that vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly, face heightened risks associated with chilly weather.
Understanding the Risks for Seniors in Cold Weather
As temperatures drop, concerns about health and safety rise, especially for aged individuals. Seniors often experience reduced temperature sensitivity, have poor circulation, and may suffer from chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes, which can be exacerbated during colder months. The risks associated with cold weather include:
- Hypothermia
- Frostbite
- Heart strain
Chris Casso, MD, FAAFP, a family medicine physician, notes the importance of monitoring indoor temperatures, stating, “Seniors may not always recognize when they are getting too cold, particularly if they are in an environment lacking sufficient heating.” What feels warm to a younger person may be dangerously chilly for an elderly individual.
Community Initiative: Blanket and Heater Drive
In recognition of these challenges, South Texas Health System (STHS) and Prominence Health are joining forces to implement a blanket and heater drive aimed at supporting underprivileged seniors throughout the Rio Grande Valley. This initiative encourages community participation, making a significant impact during the winter months.
How to Participate
From now until Wednesday, December 31, 2025, residents are invited to donate new blankets and portable space heaters. Donation boxes are conveniently placed at the main entrances of several STHS facilities:
| • South Texas Health System McAllen, 301 W. Expressway 83, McAllen, TX 78503 |
| • South Texas Health System Heart, 1900 South D St., McAllen, TX 78503 |
| • South Texas Health System Edinburg, 1102 W. Trenton Rd., Edinburg, TX 78539 |
| • South Texas Health System Children’s, 1102 W. Trenton Rd., Edinburg, TX 78539 |
STHS and Prominence Health will collaborate with hospital case managers and local nonprofit organizations to ensure that the donated items reach the most vulnerable elderly individuals in the region. This kind of support is crucial, especially for seniors living on fixed incomes, where increased energy costs can pose significant challenges to staying warm.
Make a Difference This Winter
As the winter season approaches, your contribution matters. A simple, charitable act like donating a blanket or space heater can create a profound difference in the lives of elderly residents across the Rio Grande Valley. Tom Castañeda, System Director of Marketing & Public Relations for South Texas Health System, emphasizes, “Together, we can extend warmth and care to our senior community during these cold months.”
Contact Information for More Details
For additional information about the blanket and heater drive, please reach out to Veronica Galligan at Veronica.Galligan@uhsinc.com or call 956-821-9569.
Participate today and help make this winter a little warmer for our vulnerable elderly residents. Every donation counts!
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By donating and participating in local initiatives like this, you become part of a critical solution to ensure the safety and well-being of our elderly population during the coldest months of the year. Your involvement is more than just an act of kindness; it’s a way to foster a deeper sense of community across the Rio Grande Valley.
