SunCoast Blood Centers
O.K. Fike and Dr. Millard White founded the Lower West Coast Blood Bank on February 14, 1949. Now known as SunCoast Blood Bank, we’re one of the oldest nonprofits in the community. Tens of thousands of dedicated volunteers each year provide the critical lifesaving gift of blood and platelets for local patients.
In 1949 the Blood Bank collected 551 pints of blood, now called units. Today, more than 1,000 blood drives are held annually in the communities we serve (Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte, and Desoto counties). As we move forward, researchers and scientists offer technological advances that promise to revolutionize transfusion medicine and the growing field of cellular therapy. SunCoast provides its donors with state-of-the-art collection and testing instruments that maximize blood donor and recipient safety and comfort. The success of this organization lies completely on the generosity of its donors. SunCoast Blood Bank is a registered 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit.
When you donate blood at SunCoast Blood Bank, you don’t just save a life. You save a family.