The SunCoast Blood Centers mobile unit will be at Venice City Hall, 401 W. Venice Ave., for the 19^th Annual Boots vs. Badges Blood Drive set for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 6.

SunCoast officials encourage all City employees and members of the public who feel well to come out and donate the “gift of life” to ensure that blood is available for those patients who need it. Note: It must be 56 days since your last whole blood donation. ID required please.

For this drive, donors will receive an e-gift card of $20-$50 and SunCoast’s limited-edition Boots vs. Badges long-sleeve, lightweight T-shirt. When donors come aboard the bus to donate, staff will have a QR code for them to vote for their favorite, Boots (Fire Rescue) or Badges (Police). 

Donors also receive a wellness checkup including blood pressure, pulse, temperature, iron count and cholesterol screening, and a snack.

Appointments are encouraged, but not required. Schedule an appointment to donate here: 19th Annual Boots vs. Badges - SunCoast Blood Centers

SunCoast Blood Centers serve hospitals across Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte, and DeSoto counties, providing essential blood products for accident victims, cancer patients, and newborns in the NICU. Suncoast is the only blood center that supplies 100% of the hospitals in Venice and Sarasota County.

There’s currently a critical need for blood donations in our community. Hospital need over the summer is higher than donations coming in, making it difficult to have an adequate supply for patients. Any significant traumas will completely deplete the supply. Every donation makes a significant difference in saving lives.

For more information, visit www.SunCoastBlood.org