The Central West Coast Chapter of Florida Public Relations Association and the American Advertising Federation Suncoast are going “arm to arm” in a competition to determine which organization can raise the most blood donations. The holiday season is a tough time for local hospitals because demand for blood is high but donations are slim.

Members of both organizations are encouraged to donate blood at Suncoast Communities Blood Bank on Monday, November 30th THROUGH Monday, December 14th at these locations:

• 1760 Mound Street, Sarasota (1 block east of Selby Gardens)
  Monday hours: 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
  
• 1097 N. Tamiami Trail, Nokomis (corner of US 41 and Laurel Roads, in shopping center)
  Monday hours: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

When you arrive, please mention that you are donating on behalf of FPRA or the code 3934 so that we earn credit.

You can make an appointment by calling 1-866-97-BLOOD. Walk-ins welcome, too.

Fast Facts about donating blood:

• To be eligible to donate, a person must weigh 110 pounds, be 16 years of age or older, and be healthy on the day of donation (i.e., no cold, flu, etc.).
• A person can give blood if they have received the seasonal flu shot/mist and/or H1N1 flu shot/flu mist, and feel well on day of donation
• It is important to eat before donating and to drink plenty of fluids before and after donation

If you have any personal medical questions about donating blood, please contact Rob Harper at 954-1600 ext 1013.