Hoxworth Blood Drive

Upcoming Blood Drive : Appointments are Required

Emergency Appeal for Blood Donors

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CINCINNATI (June 4, 2020) — Hoxworth Blood Center, University of Cincinnati has released an emergency appeal for blood donors. High overnight demand has severely decreased our inventory of blood red blood cell
products. This combined with anticipated heavy usage for the next week is forcing us to make a plea for all eligible individuals to donate blood immediately.

"Anyone who is eligible to give blood or platelets is urged to donate as soon as possible," reports Alecia Lipton, Hoxworth spokesperson. "Type O inventory is at a critical level; however, we are encouraging donors of all blood types as inventory across the board is limited. We are extending our collection hours at our donor centers in order to meet the needs of area patients."

Hoxworth' s current inventory is low enough that pleas have been made to other area blood banks for blood and platelet products. Additionally, we encourage local businesses and community group to consider hosting a blood drive at your location.

"The blood shortage is associated with the ramp up of surgeries and transplants at all of the hospitals we serve," said Dr. Jose Cancelas, Director at Hoxworth Blood Center. "While we've reached out to some of our partner blood banks in the U.S., 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, TriCounty, 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. Call (513) 451-0910 or visit hoxworth.org to schedule.

About Hoxworth:
Hoxworth Blood Center, University of Cincinnati was founded in 1938 and serves over 30 hospitals and medical
facilities in the Tri-State. Annually, Hoxworth collects more than 90,000 units of blood from local donors to help
save the lives of patients in area hospitals. Hoxworth Blood Center. All Types Welcome.

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions about Blood Donations during this Pandemic

• All donors need to make an appointment to donate.  Hoxworth Blood Center is discouraging “walk ins” to maintain proper social distancing guidelines, as they can lead to overcrowding and challenge social distancing policies.

• The blood supply is safe, and it is safe to donate.

• Donors must be in good health. People with any fever, cough or cold symptoms should not come to a blood drive. All donors are screened to ensure they are feeling well.

• Hoxworth has increased social distancing and infection control measures to ensure the safety of donors.

• Blood drives are not mass gatherings. They are controlled events with infection safeguards to protect donors, staff, and blood products.

• Hoxworth is taking measures to assure the safety of donors and our staff. If our staff or a donor has a temperature that measures 99.5, each individual are be asked to leave.

• All blood center staff coming in contact with donors will be wearing masks and gloves. Additionally, all solid surfaces will be wiped down between donors

• The hospitals are ramping up and their blood supply needs growing and we need to be ready to react and rapidly increase our blood collections at a short notice when blood is needed for patients.

• In addition to offering support for cancer patients, blood transfusions are needed for organ recipients, trauma victims, women in childbirth and patients with sickle cell disease, among other conditions. 

• In regards to face mask - we RECOMMEND - but not require that donors wear masks.  Donors may wear their own mask or we can provide one for them.  Please note, it is NOT mandatory for a donor to wear a mask (as this time).   Hoxworth employees will continue to wear mask, gloves (when working with donors), and maintain social distancing protocols.