Hoxworth issues emergency appeal for blood donors
Massive transfusions, low donor turnout leave local blood supply at critical levels
Hoxworth Blood Center, University of Cincinnati has released an emergency appeal for blood donors. Massive overnight transfusions combined with the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday have put our local blood supply at a critical level. The heavy usage combined with the anticipated low donor turnout over the upcoming holiday week is forcing us to make a plea for all eligible individuals to donate blood immediately.
“Anyone who is eligible to give blood or platelets is urged to donate as soon as possible,” reports Alecia Lipton, Hoxworth spokesperson. “Type O inventory is at a critical level; however, we are encouraging donors of all blood types as inventory across the board is limited. Before giving thanks this holiday — we ask that you give a blood or platelet donation.”
In addition to the need for blood and platelet donors, Hoxworth is also urging individuals that have recovered from COVID-19 to make a lifesaving plasma donation. To date, 2,225 units of convalescent plasma have been distributed to local patients currently fighting the virus.
"The blood shortage is associated with the emergency care and surgeries at the hospitals that we serve,” said Dr. Jose Cancelas, Director at Hoxworth Blood Center. “While we’ve reached out to some of our partner blood banks in the U.S., we cannot rely on acquiring blood from other communities. We need the Tri-State community to respond to our plea so we can supply lifesaving blood products to patients in area hospitals.”
Hoxworth operates seven Neighborhood Donor Centers in Anderson, Blue Ash, Ft. Mitchell, West Chester, Tri-County, Western Hills and the Hoxworth Center adjacent to University Hospital. Hoxworth also operates multiple mobile blood drives daily. Walk-ins are welcome; however, appointments are encouraged. Call 513-451-0910 or visit hoxworth.org to schedule.
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
Alabama.com: How a new self-test for HPV could be a game changer
April 19, 2024
The University of Cincinnati's Leeya Pinder was featured in an Alabama.com/Reckon article about how self-testing for HPV could make preventative care more accessible to those facing the most barriers.
Julie Leftwich appointed Director of International Peace and...
April 18, 2024
Julie Leftwich appointed Director of International Peace and Security Initiatives at the University of Cincinnati College of Law.
UC Law professor’s article named a Dukeminier Award recipient
April 18, 2024
Professor Ryan Thoreson's law review article named a Dukeminier Award recipient.