Hoxworth Blood Center, Cincinnati Reds knock blood shortages out of the park

Hoxworth Blood Center, University of Cincinnati and the Cincinnati Reds have yet again bolstered the community blood supply during the 14^th annual Reds Week blood drive that took place in mid-June.

The 2020 Reds Week blood drive registered almost 3,000 donors and collected 3,228 lifesaving blood products. Those blood products have the potential to impact over 7,000 lives in the tri-state area.

“As the only steward of the local blood supply, partnering with local organizations like the Cincinnati Reds is critical to recruiting volunteer blood donors,” said Alecia Lipton, director of public relations at Hoxworth Blood Center. “At this time of the year, when blood donations fall but usage increases, we are enormously grateful to have the support of one of Cincinnati’s most popular institutions to replenish our supply and save thousands of lives right here in our community.”

The blood products collected during the 2020 Reds Week drive will be distributed to 30 hospitals in the tri-state area.

“The Reds consider it a privilege to join Hoxworth Blood Center in their life giving work,” said Reds president and chief operating officer Phil Castellini. “We appreciate the generosity of the thousands of donors who participated in this year’s Reds Week blood drive, whose concern for others has made it a success.”

Hoxworth Blood Center is always in need of lifesaving blood, platelets and plasma. Blood donation continues to be a safe and sterile process, according to Hoxworth officials, and the blood center is taking the safety of donors very seriously during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Appointments are highly encouraged at this time in order to control the flow of donors and maintain social distancing protocol. To schedule a donation, call (513) 451-0910 or visit www.hoxworth.org.