Area Blood Supply at Critical Level Donors Needed

CINCINNATI—Hoxworth Blood Center, University of Cincinnati, is asking for all eligible donors to make an appointment to donate blood at their earliest convenience. 

"During the past 48 hours, Cincinnati has been hit with a significant winter storm which has canceled blood drives and deterred individuals from visiting neighborhood donor centers, says Ronald Sacher, MD, director of Hoxworth Blood Center. "These cancelations have led to a collection deficit of more than one and a half days of anticipated donations, roughly 500 units. These donors were desperately needed to maintain minimum inventory levels to meet the needs of patients in our 31 hospitals."

As a result of the hazardous weather, Hoxworth Blood Center has closed operations at all neighborhood donor centers with the exception of Downtown, which will remain open until 3 p.m., and Hoxworth Central, which will remain open until 5 p.m.

To remedy this shortage, Hoxworth Blood Center urges donors of all blood types to give at a blood drive or donor center this week to help replenish the community blood supply.

Hoxworth operates nine neighborhood donor centers in Anderson, Blue Ash, Corryville, Downtown, Ft. Mitchell, Ft. Thomas, Mason, Tri-County and Western Hills. In times of shortages, walk-ins are always welcome, or you can schedule an appointment by calling (513) 451-0910.

How to Donate:

Donating blood is safe and easy. You must be at least 17 years old (16 years old with signed parental consent) 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.

Please call (513) 451-0910 or (800) 830-1091 to schedule an appointment at a neighborhood donor center. 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, University of Cincinnati, is celebrating over 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, Hoxworth serves 31 hospitals in 17 counties in Southwestern Ohio, Northern Kentucky and Southeastern Indiana. Annually, Hoxworth collects on average over 90,000 units of blood from local donors.