Texas Allocates $10 Million to Advanced Prehospital Transfusion Programs

Texas lawmakers have appropriated $10 million in the state’s 2026-27 budget (SB 1) to launch a pilot program supporting emergency medical services (EMS) agencies in delivering whole blood transfusions to patients in the field. The program aims to improve outcomes for individuals experiencing severe blood loss due to trauma, maternal hemorrhage or other critical conditions.

The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), in consultation with regional advisory councils, will determine the most cost-effective way to secure the necessary resources for EMS agencies. DSHS is also responsible for defining the program’s structure, distribution of funds and implementation process. The legislation stipulates that DSHS must submit a public report to the Legislative Budget Board detailing the status of the program by Nov. 1, 2026.

In a statement announcing the funding, the Texas Medical Association (TMA) highlighted the coordinated advocacy of physicians, EMS leaders and organizations across the state – including TMA, the Whole Blood Task Force of the Governor’s EMS and Trauma Advisory Council (GETAC), the Texas EMS Alliance, the Southwest Texas Regional Advisory Council and others.