SunCoast Blood Centers reports critically low supply, seeks donors

SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - SunCoast Blood Centers is asking eligible donors to give blood or platelets this week after the local blood supply dropped to a critically low 1- to 2-day supply.

The nonprofit blood center said its daily inventory has fallen from about 1,200 units to about 650 units, a 46% drop.

SunCoast said it needs hundreds of additional donations to rebuild toward a safer 3- to 4-day supply for local hospitals. Continued donations will also be needed throughout the summer to help keep the supply stable.

Donors of all blood types are encouraged to give.

“Local hospital demand for red blood cell units is exceeding what we are collecting from donors each week,” Evelyn Oyler, technical director of SunCoast Blood Centers, said in a statement. “In the past, we have been able to bridge temporary gaps with imported blood products, but national shortages have made those options limited. We need our community to respond now and continue showing up throughout the summer.”

SunCoast said schools being out, summer travel and holiday weekends often reduce donor turnout. At the same time, the need for blood and platelets at local hospitals remains constant and can increase during emergencies.

“Our community has always stepped up when patients need them most, and we are asking them to do that again now,” Scott Bush, CEO of SunCoast Blood Centers, said in a statement. “When you donate with SunCoast Blood Centers, you are helping keep lifesaving blood available for patients right here at home.”

Eligible donors can schedule an appointment at SunCoastBlood.org. Walk-ins are welcome.

Blood donors receive a $30 instant e-gift card. Platelet donors receive up to a $70 instant e-gift card as a thank-you.

SunCoast Blood Centers serves hospitals, patients and families across Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte and DeSoto counties.