The Need for Blood Never Takes a Holiday

The weeks following the holidays typically result in slower than average blood donations.  This year is no different. A quick check of blood banks around the state indicates that several blood types are at critically low levels. 

Suncoast Communities Blood Bank is in urgent need of the following blood types:

A neg

B pos

B neg

There are several reasons the blood donations drop this time of year. The primary cause is cold and flu season. You should not donate blood if you have a cold or sore throat. 

There is no substitute for human blood. It cannot be manufactured or reproduced.  The only source is a healthy blood donor. Please consider donating blood this week. Your gift will save up to three lives in your community.

Suncoast Community Blood Bank supplies the majority of the blood products for Manatee County, including Manatee Memorial and Lakewood Ranch Medical Center. Within days of your donation, your blood will be used to help save the life of a cancer patient, trauma victim, or maybe even a newborn fighting to survive.

Suncoast operates two blood donor centers in Manatee County: Lakewood Ranch Plaza, 1731 Lakewood Ranch Blvd. and Bayshore Gardens Shopping Plaza, 6026 14^th St. W. For hours of operation, to schedule an appointment to donate or to locate a bloodmobile in your area go to scbb.org or call 1-866-97-BLOOD.