CINCINNATI — There’s an urgent call for blood donors in the greater Cincinnati as the region has “dangerously low levels” available right now.
What You Need To Know
- Hoxworth Blood Center is asking for blood and platelet donations as the region is at “dangerously low levels”
- The biggest need for the region’s 31 hospitals is Type 0 blood products
- Hoxworth has seven seven donation sites across the region
Hoxworth Blood Center — University of Cincinnati issued a critical appeal on Tuesday for blood and platelet donations. While the request is for all types of blood products, the biggest need is Type O. O positive is the most popular blood type, and O negative is the universal donor.
The main reason for the appeal has been consistent high use in regional hospitals and low donor turnout so far this spring, said Jackie Marschall, a Hoxworth spokesperson. She noted that the blood center has experienced an issue with prospective donors keeping their appointments.
Hoxworth serves 18 counties in southwestern Ohio, northern Kentucky and southeastern Indiana.
Marschall stressed the importance of receiving donations this week or next to ensure hospitals and patients have enough blood products to meet patient needs.
Hoxworth has seven donor centers spread across the region. The donation process takes about an hour from start to finish.
“Increased usage of blood products in area hospitals is the new normal, and blood and platelet donors are needed now more than ever to meet the demand of local patients in need,” Marschall said.
Hoxworth needs to collect more than 100,000 units of blood every year to meet regional demand. The 85-year-old blood bank supplies its donations to 31 regional hospitals.
Right now, Hoxworth has enough products to handle the standard treatments, procedures and the “regular things that are scheduled,” Marschall said. The concern is about things that aren’t planned, like major car crashes or shootings.
It takes a about three days to process blood and platelet donations before medical teams can use them on a patient, Marschall said.
“Anything could happen at any time, so we need to be ready,” she added.
While local supply is low right, there’s no reason to panic, Marschall said. Hoxworth is part of a national network of blood banks that commit to sharing blood and platelets when needed.
With that said, the Cincinnati area isn’t the only part of the country experiencing a donor shortage, Marschall said. She views Tuesday’s appeal to prospective donors as a reminder of the huge impact blood donation can have on the community.
“We really want people to check their schedules and make the time to come in and donate because it really truly makes an enormous difference and for your friends, families, neighbors and colleagues,” she added.
To be eligible to donate, a person must be at least 17 years old. They can be 16 if they have the consent of a parent or guardian. There are other physical requirements, including being at least a certain weight. There are health considerations as well.
Donors must feel “generally well and healthy,” Marschall said. They can’t have a fever, sore throat or experiencing and flu-like or cold symptoms. A person who had major surgery recently is likely ineligible unless they’ve been released from their doctor’s care.
Anyone who donates blood or platelets through May 22 gets one free ticket to the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden.
Donation appointments can be made at Hoxworth.org or by calling 513-451-0910.
“We are so grateful to anyone who’s willing to roll up their sleeve and show support for the community,” Marschall said.
