SunCoast Blood Centers introduces new solar-powered electric donation buses

Sarasota Herald-Tribune
·2 min read
SunCoast Blood Centers introduced the Concierge Blood Collection Program in 2020. Southwest Florida's primary blood bank is now rolling out solar-powered bloodmobiles with support from the Gulf Coast Community Foundation.
SunCoast Blood Centers introduced the Concierge Blood Collection Program in 2020. Southwest Florida's primary blood bank is now rolling out solar-powered bloodmobiles with support from the Gulf Coast Community Foundation.

SunCoast Blood Centers is rolling out new, solar-powered bloodmobiles with collaborative support from the Gulf Coast Community Foundation.

SCBC’s solar-powered concierge bloodmobile is the first in the U.S. to embrace solar energy, marking a significant step in its commitment to adopting more fiscal and sustainable practices. Donors will benefit from reduced disruptive noises often associated with traditional, gas-powered engines, creating a noticeably quieter and more peaceful experience.

"We're proud to be the first blood center in the nation to implement solar-powered bloodmobiles," said Scott Bush, CEO of SunCoast Blood Centers. "By elevating the experience for our generous donors, while also limiting our carbon footprint, we hope to serve as an example for other blood banks around the U.S. that green energy is possible, and it has several, tremendous benefits including energy cost savings that will support our organization’s expansion goals.”

The launch of SCBC’s solar-powered buses aligns with their priorities to create more fiscally sustainable opportunities while enhancing the donor experience and environmental well-being of the communities they serve. Community members can expect to see SCBC’s solar-powered bloodmobile on roads with more rolling out throughout 2024.

Gulf Coast is one of the first organizations to support SCBC’s green energy transition in the community, recently giving the blood center a $45,500 grant.

“We are honored to be one of the first organizations to support SunCoast Blood Centers in their efforts to become the first blood center in the nation to implement solar-powered bloodmobiles," Gulf Coast president and CEO Phillip Lanham said. "Supporting the first full-sized blood mobile conversion and more fiscal and sustainable practices aligns with our vision of thriving communities with opportunities for all. A sustainable community means a thriving community and we fully support this exciting and important endeavor.”

SunCoast Blood Centers is committed to transitioning more of its operations for a greener, healthier, and more economically friendly environment in the coming years. Information about donating blood, including a mobile donation schedule and online appointments, can be found at suncoastblood.org.

SunCoast Blood Centers, celebrating its 75th anniversary, has opened a new blood donation center at 1760 Mound St. in downtown Sarasota.
SunCoast Blood Centers, celebrating its 75th anniversary, has opened a new blood donation center at 1760 Mound St. in downtown Sarasota.

New downtown Sarasota location

SunCoast Blood Centers is celebrating its 75th anniversary by unveiling a new donation center in the heart of downtown Sarasota.

A grand opening was held on Feb. 14 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony followed by a reception breakfast at the new location at 1760 Mound Street.

SunCoast Blood Centers currently operates in four locations, including Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, Venice, and Port Charlotte. The addition of the downtown Sarasota center enhances accessibility and convenience for donors across the region.

Submitted by Mia Kurecki

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: SunCoast Blood Centers introduces new solar-powered bloodmobiles