Go for the gold during Hoxworth’s Platelet Olympics event

Hoxworth Blood Center, University of Cincinnati, invites donors to “go for the gold” in the Hoxworth Winter Platelet Olympics.

Individuals who donate platelets four times between Feb. 1 and March 31 will win the title of “gold medalist” and receive an exclusive Hoxworth-branded camping chair and a gold medal. 

“Platelets are an incredibly important component of blood — they are essential for blood clotting, and critical for patients undergoing organ transplants and treatment for cancer,” said Alecia Lipton, Hoxworth spokesperson. “Because platelets have a shelf life of just five to seven days, Hoxworth has an ongoing need for dedicated platelet donors.”   

According to Lipton, blood banks across the country have issued pleas for blood and platelet donors as the national blood supply has dwindled in recent weeks; the need is only expected to increase through the winter months. 

“Without our donors, we cannot provide lifesaving blood products to the area hospitals we serve,” Lipton said. “We need the Cincinnati community to make platelet donation a priority so we can keep our shelves stocked for patients during these difficult winter months.” 

Appointments for platelet donations are highly encouraged.

For more information, call Hoxworth at (513) 451-0910, or schedule a donation.