Hoxworth issues plea for Memorial Day holiday weekend blood donors
CINCINNATI (WKRC) - If anyone is looking for a way to give back this Memorial Day, Hoxworth Blood Center has put out a plea for donors heading into the holiday weekend.
So, what’s driving up demand?
Accidents and injuries go up on area roads, which increases the need for emergency blood. Regular donors go out of town as summer vacations begin, but the need for blood does not stop.
Blood and blood products are needed for life-saving transplants, transfusions and cancer treatments.
“The thought of making a difference in somebody's life is really rewarding to me, and especially working in the apheresis end of it, to see our patients that are truly in need, these truly critical patients, being able to see firsthand what a need and how great of a need it is to give blood and blood products," said Jamie Swafford, a registered nurse at Hoxworth Blood Center.
"It's a huge need, and to be part of that, and to be blessed enough to be on the end to be able to give to these people in need, it gives me chills,” Swafford added.
As a thank you to donors who answer the call during this time of need, Hoxworth will offer a free “Out for Blood” beach towel to all blood and platelet donors between Saturday, May 27 and Tuesday, May 30. That’s at any of Hoxworth’s seven neighborhood donor centers.
Hoxworth will be closed for all collections on Monday, May 29 in observance of the Memorial Day holiday.
Calling and scheduling an appointment, even next week, helps Hoxworth know that it will be prepared with enough blood to meet the needs of the community. The blood donated is promised to area hospitals based on appointments.
It takes about 24 to 48 hours to prep blood and get it to where it needs to go.
Call (513) 451-0910 to schedule an appointment.
