Hoxworth Blood Center & local arts organizations partner to make a lifesaving impact with blood drive at Music Hall

Hoxworth Blood Center, University of Cincinnati, is once again teaming up with local arts organizations to make an impact on the community with the Lifesaving as an Art Blood Drive. 

The Cincinnati Arts Association, Cincinnati Ballet, Cincinnati Opera, May Festival, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, and Friends of Music Hall are joining forces to help save lives in the community by hosting a blood drive in the ballroom at Music Hall on Tuesday, Feb. 28 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Donors will receive a free Hoxworth fleece blanket and other gifts from Music Hall sponsors. Donors will also get to enjoy live performances throughout the day. 

Chris Milligan, Cincinnati Opera’s Harry Fath General Director & CEO, said, “Greater Cincinnatians have a long legacy of generosity—both in their support of the arts, and also in their support of their fellow community members. We’re grateful for the many ways our neighbors go above and beyond, and we’re proud to join our arts colleagues in bringing our community together around this important public health effort.”

Additionally, Hoxworth Blood Center wants to recognize the power of advocacy with the FDA’s recent draft guidance recommending a change from deferrals based on gender and sexual orientation to using gender-inclusive, individual risk-based questions to reduce the risk of transfusion-transmitted infection. Hoxworth donors have sent hundreds of post cards advocating for change in the FDA eligibility guidelines of the MSM deferral. 

The FDA’s recommendations will be open for public comment for 60 days, closing March 31, 2023. The agency will then review and consider all comments before finalizing this guidance, which would then be implemented by the nation’s blood collection establishments through an updated donor history questionnaire (roughly 6-9 months).

Jackie Marschall, spokesperson for Hoxworth, added that Hoxworth currently has a critical need for type O Negative and A Negative blood donors and asks that any eligible individuals schedule a donation as early as possible.

Appointments for blood donation are highly encouraged due to the popularity of the event. Donors can schedule appointments by calling (513) 451-0910 or by scheduling online at www.hoxworth.org/groups/musichall. 

Donors should enter the blood drive from the Box Office/Ballroom Entrance on Elm Street. For information about Music Hall parking, click here