Saturday blood drive set: Replenishing blood centers 'crucial'

NORTH PORT — When it comes to having enough blood, preparing before and after natural disasters is everything.

SunCoast Blood Centers is setting up a large-scale blood drive to replenish the local supply.

On Saturday, people can donate at the following locations:

Donor Center locations:

539 U.S. 41 Bypass, Venice from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.2150 Tamiami Trail, Unit 17, Port Charlotte from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.3025 Lakewood Ranch Blvd, Suite 111, Bradenton from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.1760 Mound Street, Sarasota from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Mobile Blood Drive locations:

American Legion Post 254, 6648 Tanney Town St., North Port from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.Esplanade at Azario Lakewood Ranch, 4016 Santa Caterina Blvd, Lakewood Ranch from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.Publix at Market Walk at North River Ranch, 11635 Moccasin Wallow Rd., Parrish from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

"SunCoast Blood Centers Florida Strong" T-shirts will be given to donors while supplies last.

Donations will benefit the local community. The SunCoast mantra is "Live Here. Give Here. Stay Here."

“We want to help the community recover and prepare for whatever comes next,” SunCoast Blood Centers Chief Operating Officer Don Campbell said.

Campbell implores all who can, to donate this weekend.

Drives are frequently canceled during storm season and blood has a shelf life of just 42 days. Now is the time to donate.

Why is donating blood important?

Blood is always needed, according to experts.

The need for transfusions never stop, OneBlood Public Relations Director Pat Michaels said

Donating is useful, but doing so on a regular schedule is the most helpful thing one can do.

"Many people respond when a tragedy happens, but in reality, it’s the blood donors who give it on regular basis who ensure that we have a ready blood supply," Michaels said.

In many cases, donating blood literally saves lives, according to Michaels.

The American Red Cross also promotes donating blood.

Although they do not collect it in the state of Florida, the Red Cross is working in tandem with SunCoast Blood Centers and OneBlood to spread the word while working on other humanitarian efforts across the state.

They are urging the donation of blood post Milton and Helene, as well as throughout the year.

"The blood community relies on the generosity of blood donors," said Duhane Lindo, an American Red Cross communications representative. "Help ensure people in impacted areas continue to have access to lifesaving blood."

To learn more about the Saturday blood drive, visit

suncoastblood.org/floridastrong