FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 9, 2026

SunCoast Blood Centers on Call for Emergency Assistance to the Gulf Coast
SunCoast is part of the nationwide Blood Emergency Readiness Corps

LAKEWOOD RANCH, FL – As communities across Florida and neighboring states prepare for the potential impacts of the approaching storm, SunCoast Blood Centers is asking local residents to donate blood now and throughout next week. SunCoast is part of the Blood Emergency Readiness Corps (BERC), a nationwide partnership of rotating blood centers committed to ensuring lifesaving blood is available when disasters strike. SunCoast is on call through next week and must be ready to provide lifesaving blood products to impacted areas.

"Normally, the blood products collected by our local donors stay in our community. However, in times of crisis, access to blood can mean the difference between life and death," said Jayne Fair Giroux, vice president of marketing and development of SunCoast Blood Centers. "As Floridians, we understand how a hurricane impacts critical services. Our participation in BERC helps ensure that hospitals and patients have access to critical blood products during emergencies. Most serious hurricane-related accidents occur in the aftermath during cleanup, so we need to have enough blood products on hand to meet local needs as well as needs that will arise next week in the impacted areas."

In many emergency situations—including natural disasters, mass casualty incidents, and severe accidents—large quantities of blood may be needed immediately. Traditionally, blood centers have relied on neighboring organizations to help meet sudden demand. BERC strengthens the nation's disaster preparedness by creating a dedicated emergency blood supply that is available without delay or uncertainty.

In a rotating schedule, SunCoast partners with 14 blood centers across the country to provide this vital service. Through BERC, participating blood centers maintain an enhanced supply of blood products on a rotating, “on-call” schedule, ensuring that blood is readily available for immediate deployment when emergencies occur.

"Every blood donation helps strengthen our community's emergency preparedness," added Giroux. "By donating today and throughout next week, community members can play a direct role in helping patients both locally and across the country when disasters occur."

Eligible donors can make an appointment by visiting www.suncoastblood.org or calling 1-866-97-BLOOD.

About SunCoast Blood Centers
SunCoast Blood Centers is the exclusive blood provider for hospitals throughout Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte, and DeSoto counties, and services Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital and Moffitt Cancer Center. As a community-based, nonprofit organization, SunCoast Blood Centers relies on volunteer blood donors to provide lifesaving blood products for patients in local hospitals and throughout the region.

Media Contact
Jayne Fair Giroux
SunCoast Blood Centers
[email protected]
941.720.8177
www.suncoastblood.org