Covid-19 and social distancing has put strains on the delivery of essential services, motivating some organizations to find innovative ways to improve programs. On August 1, 2020 SunCoast Blood Centers will launch the Concierge Blood Collection Program, the first comprehensive, at-home blood product collection service of its kind in the United States.
The effort was launched to increase donor participation. Only 3% of the population donates blood, and SunCoast usually collects about 65% of its donations from mobile blood drives. Due to the pandemic, and with more people working from home, most of these drives have been cancelled. Three teams of healthcare professionals will now be equipped with the vehicles, protective equipment, and technology necessary to collect blood from the safety and comfort of a donor’s home by appointment.
The concierge model offers three benefits:
- Donors concerned about exposure to the virus when social distancing is a challenge will have an added layer of security.
- Specific blood types that are rare or most needed can be targeted and custom schedules created for these donors
- The blood center can host mobile drives within deed-restricted neighborhoods where the large bloodmobiles are not allowed.
The program is also a showcase in collaboration from local foundations and funding partners. SunCoast received grants totaling $80,385 from Gulf Coast Community Foundation, Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation, William G. and Marie Selby Foundation, the James Franklin Warnell and Dorothy J. Warnell Fund of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, Manatee Community Foundation, and the Lakewood Ranch Community Fund.
Earlier this year SunCoast opened a new state-of-the-art facility in Lakewood Ranch, doubling the capacity for donor appointments and allowing greater physical distancing. In May, the FDA also eased certain qualifications for blood donations related to veterans, individuals with tattoos, and people who have traveled internationally.
To learn more about SunCoast Blood Centers and schedule an appointment to donate, visit suncoastblood.org.
