Local Blood Supply Drops to Critical 1–2-Day Supply

SunCoast Blood Centers Issues Urgent Summer Appeal

SunCoast Blood Centers is asking eligible donors to donate this week after the local blood supply dropped to a critically low 1–2-day supply.

SunCoast Blood Centers’ daily inventory has fallen from approximately 1,200 units to about 650 units, a 46% drop. The blood center needs hundreds of additional donations to rebuild toward a safer 3–4-day supply to support local hospitals, while continued donations will be needed throughout the summer months to keep the supply stable.

Donors of all blood types are encouraged to give.

Eligible donors are urged to schedule today at SunCoastBlood.org. Walk-ins are welcome. Blood donors receive a $30 instant e-gift card, and platelet donors receive up to a $70 instant e-gift card as a thank-you.

Current Local Blood Supply Snapshot
• Current inventory: approximately 650 units
• Recent daily inventory level: approximately 1,200 units
• Drop from recent inventory: approximately 550 units, or 46%
• Needed inventory level: approximately 1,000 units
• Gap to safer operating goal: approximately 350 units
• Current supply: 1–2 days
• Safe operating goal: 3–4 days

“Local hospital demand for red blood cell units is exceeding what we are collecting from donors each week,” said Evelyn Oyler, Technical Director of SunCoast Blood Centers. “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.”

Schools are out, summer travel is underway, and holiday weekends often reduce donor turnout, while 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,” said Scott Bush, CEO of SunCoast Blood Centers. “When you donate with SunCoast Blood Centers, you are helping keep lifesaving blood available for patients right here at home.”

Interviews and Visuals Available

SunCoast Blood Centers can provide interviews with Joan Leonard, Community Liaison, and Scott Bush, CEO, as well as photos of the current low blood inventory, donor center visuals, blood donation footage, donor room activity, and local donor and patient impact information.

Donate today: SunCoastBlood.org