Hoxworth Cancels Blood Drives Due to Weather

CINCINNATI—Due to inclement weather, Hoxworth Blood Center was forced to cancel many blood drives today, which may lead to significant blood shortages by the end of this week.

As of Tuesday morning, the community’s blood supply was down by over 200 units of type A blood and over 150 units of type O.

To make up for the cancellations and avoid blood shortages in the Tristate, Hoxworth is encouraging all eligible and healthy donors to give blood now.

"The flu-like symptoms people have been suffering from over the past few weeks has made an impact on the local blood supply," says Ronald Sacher, MD, director of Hoxworth Blood Center.

"Add to that the recent snowy and icy weather conditions that caused the blood drive cancellations and blood collections have been severely impacted," continues Sacher. "It is critical for those that are healthy and able to please come in and donate blood. We want your help and all blood types are essential."

February is "Target Your Donation" month. All donors through Friday, Feb. 29, will be automatically entered into a drawing to win a $125 gift card from Target. Four lucky donors will be selected—one winner each week. Visit www.hoxworth.org/target more information.

Hoxworth operates donation centers in Anderson, Blue Ash, Downtown, Ft. Mitchell, Ft. Thomas, Mason, Tri-County, UC Academic Health Center and Western Hills. Operating days and hours vary with each center.

How to Donate:
Donating blood is safe and easy. You must be at least 17 years old and in good health. You must weigh at least 110 pounds and bring identification to donate. It is recommended that donors eat a good meal and drink plenty of water within four hours before donating.

To schedule an appointment, call (513) 451-0910 or (800) 830-1091. To locate a community blood drive or if you are a registered donor and want to schedule online, visit www.hoxworth.org and click on Donate Now.

About Hoxworth:
Hoxworth Blood Center, which is part of the UC Academic Health Center, is celebrating 70 years of saving lives. At least 350 volunteer blood donors and 40 volunteer platelet donors are essential each day to keep up with the demands of Tristate hospitals and their patients. Founded in 1938, we serve 29 hospitals in 17 counties in Southwestern Ohio, Northern Kentucky and Southeastern Indiana. Annually, Hoxworth collects over 90,000 units of blood from local donors.