June 14 is World Blood Donor Day
SunCoast Blood Bank Has Urgent Need for All Blood Types
Sarasota, FL – Summer is the most challenging time of the year for SunCoast Blood Bank (SCBB) to keep its inventory of blood products at safe levels. Recognizing World Blood Donor Day (WBDD) on June 14, helps focus on the importance of blood donation, and recognize the contributions of voluntary donors in saving lives and improving health. In 2005, WBDD was designated as an annual global event by the Fifty-eighth World Health Assembly. WBDD is now celebrated every year throughout the world.
“During the summer months, blood and platelet donations in our area can drop by as much as 15%,” said Jayne Giroux, director of community development for SCBB. Several factors contribute to the drop according to Giroux. “Our high schools are not in session. Our winter residents are gone, and many families take vacations during the summer. We still need to collect 150 units of blood a day, 365 days a year, to supply our local hospitals. Currently we are experiencing a shortage of all blood types.”
The theme of this year’s World Blood Donor Day is, “Blood connects us all.” The focus is on thanking blood donors who save lives through blood donations and encouraging many more people to make a commitment to regular voluntary blood donation. A full day of blood drives is scheduled on Tuesday June 14. To find a donor center or blood drive near you visit scbb.org or call 1-866-97-BLOOD.
About SCBB – SunCoast Blood Bank (SCBB) is a registered 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization providing a reliable supply of safe blood products and services to our community for over 66 years. SCBB provides 100% of the blood products and services for Sarasota Memorial Healthcare System, Manatee Memorial Hospital, Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, Doctors Hospital of Sarasota, Complex Care Hospital of Ridgelake, HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Sarasota, , North Port Emergency Room, Fawcett Memorial Hospital of Port Charlotte, Englewood Community Hospital, DeSoto Memorial Hospital and Bayflite 2. SCBB is recognized as a distinguished provider with outstanding customer service and the ability to provide rare blood services onsite. For SCBB donor locations and more information, visit www.scbb.org or call 1-866-97-BLOOD. Live here. Give here. Stays here.
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