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10-01-2025 | No. 3
Dear Valued Donors and Community Members,
Welcome to the third edition of our Heartbeats and Headlines newsletter! We are grateful for your ongoing support and generosity, which makes it possible for SunCoast Blood Centers to provide a lifeline to patients in need. Every donation strengthens our community and ensures that local hospitals are equipped to save lives. You are at the heart of everything we do, and we cannot thank you enough for your commitment.
This summer has been an exciting and busy one for SunCoast. We were proud to celebrate the opening of our new donation center in Parrish, expanding access for even more donors across our region. Our annual Boots vs. Badges campaign once again brought together first responders, donors, and supporters in a spirited show of solidarity for our community’s health. At the same time, we continue to invest in new marketing initiatives to reach first-time donors and welcome new residents who are eager to make a difference through blood donation.
Looking ahead, we are thrilled to see the continued growth of our concierge program, which brings personalized donation opportunities to you. We’ve also extended our hours to make giving blood more convenient than ever. This fall, we are partnering with the Big Ten Conference through the We Give Blood campaign, joining forces with student bodies and alumni to drive awareness and increase life-saving donations. Together with your generosity and involvement, we are building a stronger, healthier community—one donation at a time.
Thank you,
Brian Dryfhout
Director of Marketing & Communications
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SunCoast Blood Centers is proud to announce the opening of our sixth donor center - right in the heart of Parrish. This milestone marks an exciting new chapter in our mission to save lives, bringing vital blood donation resources closer to Manatee County’s fast-growing community.
From heartfelt stories to a cheerful ribbon-cutting, the celebration was filled with gratitude and hope for the future. Read More
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Boots vs. Badges Brings Big Community Impact
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This year’s Boots vs. Badges Blood event was a huge success. Thanks to the community’s dedication to donating blood, more than 1,000 local lives have been touched.
In the spirit of friendly competition, the Fire Department came out on top with 59.9% of the votes, earning this year’s bragging rights. Congratulations to both teams for inspiring such strong community support and showing what’s possible when we unite for a lifesaving cause!
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Be like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Donate Blood
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In case you missed it… check out our latest video.
From the football field to our community - Graham Barton is stepping up. It’s a quick and meaningful watch that highlights the impact of blood donation right here in our community.
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Community Spotlight: Restaurant Partners
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With the support of local partners like Anna Maria Oyster Bar and Gecko’s Grill & Pub, more than 300 lives have been saved. Their dedication is a true example of how community collaboration fuels our lifesaving mission.
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Employee Appreciation Week
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In July, we celebrated Employee Appreciation Week with a playful pirate theme - but the real treasure is our incredible team! From welcoming donors to coordinating blood drives and keeping our operations running smoothly, every team member goes above and beyond to save lives. This week was all about honoring your hard work, dedication, and the heart you bring to every task. We couldn’t do it without you! See more...
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Give the Gift of Another Tomorrow
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What if you had the Power
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Every two seconds, someone in our community needs blood. Your donation can save up to three lives - a mother, a child, a neighbor. Blood can’t be manufactured; it only comes from generous donors like you.
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Donor Spotlight: Inspiring Stories That Save Lives
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At 95, Justin (Joe) Floersheimer just made his 48th blood donation - proof there’s no age limit to saving lives. Be like Joe - be the solution! See More...
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For Chris, a breast cancer survivor whose daughter battled leukemia, blood donations became more than statistics - they became lifelines. See More...
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Thirty years ago, Doris’s life was saved by a blood transfusion. Now, she paid it forward by donating at our Bayshore location. See More...
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Advocates Take Action on Capitol Hill
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75 passionate blood advocates - including our own Shelley Harkey - took to Capitol Hill to make their voices heard. Representing over 25 states, they held 125+ bipartisan meetings with lawmakers, pushing for lifesaving priorities like getting blood on ambulances, strengthening cyber resilience, and reducing barriers to keep the blood supply safe and available.
Special thanks to Senator Rick Scott, Max Summer (Health Care Analyst), Senator Ashley Moody, and Gianmarco Herrera (Legislative Correspondent) for meeting with us and supporting these critical issues!
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We Come to You: VIP Blood Donation Made Easy
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Donating blood should be a simple, private, and convenient process. With SunCoast Blood Centers’ Concierge Service Program, our mini-vehicle comes directly to your home or office for a 1-on-1 donation experience.
We Come to You
No Waiting
Private, 1-on-1 Service
Schedule online or call 866-97-BLOOD.
See More...
For details, contact Becca Dryfhout, Concierge Recruitment Specialist at rdryfhout@suncoastblood.org
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Career Opportunities with SCBC
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At SunCoast Blood Centers, every position helps save lives. Whether you’re supporting blood donation, supply chain, or healthcare services, you’ll be part of an innovative team driven by excellence, integrity, and respect.
We offer a welcoming workplace, great benefits, and the chance to grow your career while making an impact in your community.
Ready to do work that matters? Visit our Careers Page to explore opportunities and apply today.
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New Incentive Program for High School Donors
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High school donors play a vital role in saving lives and building the next generation of community heroes. Their generosity ensures a strong and steady blood supply, and we are inspired by their willingness to step up.
Our first few high school drives this year were a huge success - we love seeing students giving back and making a difference. To celebrate their impact, we’re introducing a new incentive program just for high school donors, designed to recognize and reward their commitment to saving lives.
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SunCoast Blood Centers is proud to join the second year of the We Give Blood Drive! Abbott and the Big Ten® are kicking off football season with something bigger than a touchdown - We Give Blood Day on August 27, 2025.
Donate (or present to donate) starting August 27 through December 5, and you’ll receive an exclusive Big Ten® Homefield® vintage T-shirt* - a stylish way to show your school pride while saving lives. Learn More...
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Expanded Donor Center Hours
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To better serve our community, SunCoast Blood Centers is introducing new donor center hours designed with you in mind. Whether you’re a student, parent, employee, retiree, or visitor, we’re making it easier than ever to fit saving lives into your schedule. Visit: Donation Location & Hours to find out when and where to schedule your next donation.
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See You in the Next Edition
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Our mission is simple yet powerful: to save lives and strengthen our community through innovation, compassion, and integrity. With your continued support, we serve those who depend on us and ensure a safe and reliable blood supply for our community. Thank you for being part of this commitment - visit SunCoastBlood.org to stay inspired and involved.
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SunCoast Blood Centers | 3025 Lakewood Ranch Blvd, Suite 111 Bradenton, FL 34211 | +18669725663
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