SunCoast Blood Centers blood drive at Mote Aquarium highlights need for summer donors

SunCoast Blood Centers collected 42 pints of blood during a six-hour drive on July 13 co-hosted in partnership with Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium. Each pint of blood can save up to three lives, and all the blood collected goes to Southwest Florida hospitals and patients.

The event at Mote Aquarium also served to spread the word about the vital need for donors amid the area’s summer donation slowdown and ongoing blood shortage.

“I’m happy to donate blood if it means that it’s helping other members of our community,” said George Cieszka, who made the trip specifically to donate. “I have O negative blood, so I know that it can really make a difference.”

Tourists and other visitors to Mote Aquarium were also drawn to the event after seeing the blood drive bus. Mote staff and volunteers also donated on breaks and in between their shifts.

The donation process takes about 30 minutes, and most donors contribute one pint of blood (though some are eligible to give two pints). Donors also received vouchers for more than $100 in goods and services that were provided to SunCoast Blood Centers by local businesses. Business supporters included Gecko’s Hospitality, Sonny’s BBQ, Station 400, Miller’s Ale House, Sarasota Bay Explorers, Skincare Couture, ND Print By Design, and Ama La Vita Ristorante.

Sarasota County and surrounding areas are currently experiencing a blood shortage as donations typically slow in summer months. During the blood drive, SunCoast Blood Centers staff were able to educate participants about the impact each donation makes on local and regional health care facilities, as well as how people can stay involved throughout the year.

Partners of SunCoast Blood Centers include Sarasota Memorial Healthcare System, Moffitt Cancer Center, Doctors Hospital, Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, Manatee Memorial Hospital, Florida Cancer Specialists, HCA Fawcett Memorial Hospital, Englewood Community Hospital, Desoto Memorial Hospital, PAM Health Sarasota, Post Acute Medical and Encompass Health.

For information about donating blood, visit suncoastblood.org.

Submitted by Mia Kurecki