Hoxworth offering e-gift cards for donors to boost blood supply
In an effort to boost the local blood supply ahead of the busy holiday season, Hoxworth Blood Center is offering all donors a $10 e-gift card between Nov. 2 and Nov. 8.
Individuals who donate blood, platelets, or plasma between Monday, Nov. 2 and Sunday, Nov. 8 will receive a $10 e-gift card.
“The need for blood continues to increase at local hospitals as surgeries that were postponed during the beginning of the pandemic are rescheduled, and beyond that, we never know what sort of traumas or emergency situations will require massive amounts of blood products,” said Alecia Lipton, director of public relations at Hoxworth Blood Center. “We’re asking eligible donors to plan their next donation as soon as possible.”
Donors will receive an email with their e-gift card link within 48 hours of their donation and can select from a number of restaurants, retail stores and services.
Blood banks across the United States are gearing up for a difficult several weeks, said Lipton. Flu season and busy holiday schedules historically negatively impact donor turnout, and recent spikes in COVID-19 cases are also expected to cause complications for potential donors.
Hoxworth continues to follow social distancing guidelines at donor centers and blood drives. Masks are required per local guidelines.
To schedule a donation, call (513) 451-0910 or visit www.hoxworth.org. Appointments are requested at this time in order to maintain social distancing protocol.
About Hoxworth
Hoxworth Blood Center, University of Cincinnati was founded in 1938 and serves more than 30 hospitals in 18 counties in Southwestern Ohio, Northern Kentucky and Southeastern Indiana. Annually, Hoxworth collects more than 90,000 units of blood from local donors to help save the lives of patients in area hospitals. Hoxworth Blood Center: Saving Lives Close to Home.
Related Stories
What is the 'cicada' COVID variant?
April 6, 2026
A formerly rare strain of COVID, BA.3.2, now is showing up in Ohio and 24 other states. Experts say so far it hasn't caused illness any more severe than other strains, but it might be somewhat more resistant to vaccines, as 91.7 WVXU News recently reported. Scientists have nicknamed the variant "cicada" due to its former low profile and current resurgence.
UC opens zebrafish research facility to study infertility
April 6, 2026
The University of Cincinnati is launching a state-of-the-art zebrafish research facility that scientists say could help explain how environmental toxins affect fertility, as WKRC-TV/Local 12 and WLWT-TV/Ch. 5 recently reported.
UC launches new Center for Public Health
April 6, 2026
The University of Cincinnati College of Medicine recently announced Suzanne Judd, PhD, as the inaugural director of its new Center for Public Health. The hire follows a national search launched in August 2025, as the Cincinnati Business Courier reported.