EDINBURG – Hurricane Harvey has devastated the Texas Gulf coast. The flood waters have not only taken a toll on people's homes and businesses, it has taken a toll on blood banks as well.

The United Blood Services has been tasked to recover the Texas blood shortage and the national one, both affected equally by Harvey.

United Blood Services Regional Donor Recruitment  Manager Heather Jex wants to remind the people in the Rio Grande Valley that giving just one pint of blood can go a long way.

"One in three people will need blood in their lifetime and that is why we're here. One pint can save up to three lives," she stated.

She also mentioned individuals are tasked as a nation to come out and help Harvey victims in any way we can.

CHANNEL 5 NEWS caught up with one Valley woman who called the Houston area her home. She explained how devastated she is just looking at the pictures. She knew she had to help in some way.

"This is the least I can do to help as much as I need. I know that other places are taking donations and stuff like that, but financially it’s also hard in some situations. And this is one thing that can help as much as they need medical issues, I guess you can say," said Belinda Contreras.

Contreras said she doesn't mind giving a little bit of herself in this time of need. The mother of three wanted to leave her family and friends in the Houston area with this special message.

"Friends from Houston! Family from Houston! We're thinking about you, we're praying for you. We are Texas strong," she said.

UBS said there are 32 blood drives scheduled this week throughout the Valley.