Suncoast Blood Centers Making Critical Call for Blood Donations

April 16, 2021 – Sarasota

SunCoast Blood Centers is making a call to the community to come in and donate blood to address the critical need. Hospitals are experiencing an increase in patients requiring blood transfusions with surgeries, cancer therapies, trauma patients, and those battling chronic blood diseases. 

“As our community starts to enjoy the outdoors and springtime activities, blood donation is not front and center in people’s minds right now,” said SunCoast Blood Centers Community Liaison Joan Leonard. “We are calling on our generous community to donate and help us get the blood supply up to a comfortable level for our hospitals.” 

SunCoast Blood Centers proudly serves hospitals and health care facilities throughout Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee, and Sarasota counties, as well as the Moffitt Cancer Center.  

Having an adequate supply of blood and platelets is vital every day and especially during a time when medical resources are operating at full capacity. On any given day in our country the blood supply is set for four days. SunCoast Blood Centers needs to collect 150 red blood cell units each day and 25 platelet products. Unlike other therapies, blood is a living product and has an expiration date and needs to be collected daily.  

Donors aged 16 and over can schedule an appointment to give blood at any SunCoast Blood Centers location or bloodmobile by visitingsuncoastblood.org or calling 866-97-BLOOD. Walk-ins will also be welcomed. Donors who have received the COVID-19 vaccine are eligible to donate immediately after their vaccine. 

SunCoast Blood Centers also offers a Concierge Donor Program in which a mini-vehicle drives to a donor’s home or office for one-on-one interaction inside the bus. Donors receive the safety and comfort of being parked in their driveway, while garnering the full attention and focus of their phlebotomist. To schedule an appointment for concierge services, call 844-972-6819 or email home@suncoastblood.org.