Blood donor heroes needed before Memorial Day

Hoxworth Blood Center, University of Cincinnati, is putting out a plea to the community to donate blood or platelets prior to the busy Memorial Day holiday weekend. 

As a thank you to those hero donors who answer the call during this time of need, Hoxworth will be offering a free “Out for Blood” beach towel to all blood and platelet donors who give between Saturday, May 27 through Tuesday, May 30 at any of Hoxworth’s seven Neighborhood Donor Centers. Hoxworth will be closed for all collections on Monday, May 29 in observance of the Memorial Day holiday. 

“Memorial Day is the unofficial gateway to the summer season, which means an increase in traumas that results in a higher demand for blood and platelets,” explains Jackie Marschall, Hoxworth spokesperson. “We need our community of donors to help us prepare; it's the blood on the shelf that saves lives as it takes 24-48 hours to process and prepare a safe unit of blood for use.” 

Marschall added that Hoxworth needs at least 450 blood donors daily to meet the demand of local hospitals, that’s without any unexpected procedures. 

Appointments are highly encouraged, but walk-ins are accepted as our schedule allows. Individuals can schedule at hoxworth.org or by calling 513-451-0910.