Hoxworth Blood Center Needs Bearcats to Roll Up a Sleeve During Blood Shortage

Hoxworth Blood Center is asking the University of Cincinnati community to roll up a sleeve at the UC All-Campus blood drive amidst a nationwide blood shortage. 

The University of Cincinnati all-campus blood drive is scheduled from Monday, Jan. 29 through Friday, Feb. 2. Each donor will receive a limited edition “Blood Donors are the Life of the Party” T-shirt. 

“With 2018 starting off with terrible winter weather and a particularly vicious flu season, blood banks across the nation have struggled to keep a healthy inventory on the shelf,” said Alecia Lipton, Hoxworth spokesperson. “Local patients in the Tri-State area rely on the generosity of blood donors, and we know that the UC Bearcats can come together and bolster our blood supply during these crucial winter months.”

The drive will take place in Tangeman University Center’s Great Hall 10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Monday-Thursday, and a donor bus will be parked outside of TUC 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday. Additionally, drives will be taking place at UC Blue Ash, UC Clermont and the UC medical campus throughout the week.

Hoxworth needs to collect at least 300 whole blood donations and 25 platelet donations every day to meet the local demand. Historically, the winter months have negatively impacted collections and donor turnout. 

Appointments are highly encouraged due to the popularity of this event, but walk-ins are welcome. Schedule an appointment by calling 513-451-0910 or visit www.hoxworth.org/groups/uc.