AUSTIN -- The American Red Cross Central Texas chapter is gearing up for a much-needed upgrade to its East Austin facility.

Crews are expected to break ground on a new building at the same location it's called home for 50 years, located off Pershing Drive. The previous building was demolished in the Spring.

"For us, it's more than just a building," American Red Cross Central & South Texas Region CEO Javier Valdez said. "It's a commitment to readiness, connection, and enhancing the strength of our communities."

In addition to office space and conference rooms, the new facility will house the chapter's first fixed site for blood collection, something Valdez said is much needed to boost efforts to better accommodate the millions of Texans the Red Cross serves.

"The prior building was not

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