Blood donor heroes needed before Memorial Day

Hoxworth offers free beach towel for donors

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. 

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 100,000 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

1

Protecting the brain with chemistry

April 24, 2026

UC chemistry student Carter St. Clair will pursue his interest in computational chemistry through a new fellowship at the Air Force Research Laboratory. His topic: new applications in AI in human health.

2

A family tradition continues at UC College of Nursing

April 24, 2026

When Ashley Enginger walks across the stage at this spring’s commencement ceremony, she will leave behind a UC College of Nursing that her family is far from finished with. Her sister Sarah is already two years in, and their youngest sister Lauren is set to arrive in the fall.