Bradenton, Florida – June 10, 2021 – SunCoast Blood Centers is asking the community to come in and donate blood to address the current shortage. Hospitals depend on an adequate blood supply for patients requiring blood transfusions with surgeries, cancer therapies, trauma, and for those battling chronic blood diseases.
“This is the lowest inventory we’ve had in a decade,” said Scott Bush, SunCoast Blood Centers CEO. “Only three percent of the eligible donor population are coming in to give the gift of life, which makes the shortage of product a real concern.”
SunCoast Blood Centers proudly serves hospitals and health care facilities throughout Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee, and Sarasota counties, as well as the Moffitt Cancer Center.
In order to keep its 14 hospitals supplied, SunCoast Blood Centers needs to collect 150 red blood cell units every day. Since May 28, the nonprofit has not had a collection day over 100 units. Unlike other therapies, blood has an expiration date and needs to be collected daily.
“There is no substitute for blood, it has to come from one human being to another,” said SunCoast Blood Centers Community Liaison Joan Leonard. “We are urging our generous community to donate and help us get the blood supply up to a suitable level for our hospitals.”
Donors aged 16 and over can schedule an appointment to give blood at any SunCoast Blood Centers location or bloodmobile by visiting suncoastblood.org. Walk-ins will also be welcomed. Donors who have received the COVID-19 vaccine are eligible to donate immediately after their vaccine.
About SunCoast Blood Centers
A registered 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, SunCoast Blood Centers has provided a reliable supply of safe blood products and services for the community since 1949. SunCoast is the exclusive supplier of blood products and services for Southwest Florida hospitals and also partners with Moffitt Cancer Center to provide blood products, including pathogen-reduced platelets. Recognized for its outstanding service, the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce honored SunCoast as the 2020 Nonprofit of the Year. SunCoast participates in cancer treatment programs, research and provides therapeutic services at the hospitals it serves. SunCoast has also instituted a new concierge program where donors can give blood in the comfort of their home. The concierge program is available in Charlotte, DeSoto, Sarasota, and Manatee counties. For donor locations and more information, visit www.suncoastblood.org.