Donors needed to meet the needs of Tri-State patients
NEWS RELEASE: Cara Nicolas, Hoxworth Blood Center
CINCINNATI, OH (February 22, 2021) – Hoxworth Blood Center, University of Cincinnati, has released an emergency appeal for blood donors.
Low donor turnout, blood drive cancelations combined with anticipated usage for the upcoming week is forcing us to make a plea for all eligible individuals to donate blood immediately.
“Anyone eligible to give blood or platelets is urged to donate as soon as possible,” reports Alecia Lipton, Hoxworth spokesperson. “We are encouraging donors of all blood types as inventory is limited. Patients in local hospitals do not get a snow day. Surgeries and cancer treatments requiring blood products must continue, and we need volunteer blood donors to meet the needs.”
Hoxworth joins AABB, America’s Blood Centers, and the American Red Cross in a national plea, asking all healthy, eligible individuals to make an appointment today and in the weeks and months to come.
“The blood shortage is associated with weather-related cancelations from the past week,” said Dr. Jose Cancelas, Director at Hoxworth Blood Center. “The winter storms have resulted in a loss of more than 25,000 donations across the country. Therefore, we cannot rely on acquiring blood from other communities. We need the Tri-State community to respond to our plea so we can supply lifesaving blood products to patients in area hospitals.”
Hoxworth operates seven Neighborhood Donor Centers in Anderson, Blue Ash, Ft. Mitchell, West Chester, Tri-County, Western Hills, and the Hoxworth Center adjacent to University Hospital. Hoxworth also operates multiple mobile blood drives daily. Walk-ins are welcome; however, appointments are encouraged to maintain social distancing protocols. Call (513) 451-0910 or visit hoxworth.org to schedule.
