Suncoast Blood Centers seeks donors after recent complex surgeries strain supply

200 unit spike in blood need related to a complex open heart surgery and complex childbirth that also required platelets comes at a time when number of donors drops because of summer vacation

Staff Report

Sarasota Herald-Tribune

SunCoast Blood Centers is making an urgent appeal for blood donations, because two recent medical procedures – an open heart surgery and a complicated childbirth that also required the use of blood and platelets – combined to require more than 200 units of blood that now have the center facing a critical shortage of blood products.

The appeal comes during the July 4 holiday, when donations typically decline because of vacations and celebrations.

"The summer months are always challenging for blood collections, and the recent traumas have put an unprecedented strain on our reserves," Scott Buch, CEO at SunCoast Blood Centers, said in a prepared statement. “We are calling on all eligible donors to help us ensure a stable blood supply for patients in need."

Suncoast Blood Centers is the primary provider of blood products to Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte, and DeSoto counties, ensuring local hospitals and patients have necessary blood supplies.

Suncoast Blood Centers urges community members to donate blood at their nearest center. Donations can be scheduled online at suncoastblood.org or by calling 866-97-BLOOD.