Sarasota Memorial to hold 'urgent' blood drive

The Sarasota Memorial Healthcare System has partnered with SunCoast Blood Bank and Michael's on East to host a community-wide blood drive Thursday and Friday. The drive will be held both days in the Michael's on East ballroom at 1212 S East Ave in Sarasota. Donors can provide blood between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Thursday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday.

In a release, SMH said there is an urgent need for platelets and other blood products in the wake of Hurricane Irma. Blood donations for platelets and all other blood types, particularly type O, are critically needed for hospitals in the region and across the state.

Officials have attributed at least 23 deaths in Florida due to Hurricane Irma, which left millions of Floridians without power.

For more information, visit scbb.org or call 941-954-1600.