Even one snow day can make a big impact on the local blood supply. After closing all blood collection centers on Monday due to severe winter weather, Hoxworth Blood Center and the University of Cincinnati will be open Tuesday, Jan. 7 “to help keep our city’s blood supply from getting dangerously low.”
According to a news release from Hoxworth, the severe winter storm may cause a “critical shortage” of blood.
“We anticipate a critical shortage of blood by Wednesday, particularly for platelets, which last only five days on the shelf,” said Dr. David Oh, co-CEO and chief medical officer at Hoxworth Blood Center. “Many other blood centers in the U.S. are also struggling to maintain their supplies during this weather emergency. We are asking our community to rise to the occasion by donating blood or platelets as soon as possible — while staying safe.”
Hoxworth usually requires at least 450 daily donors to satisfy the local demand for blood, especially for emergency trauma patients. Interested donors (who are able to travel safely) can donate at any of the following locations today:
Hoxworth said it will give donors a pair of joggers as a gift for donating. All eligible donors are encouraged to schedule their appointment ahead of their donation. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 513-451-0910 or by visiting www.hoxworth.org.
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This article appears in Dec 11-24, 2024.