Hoxworth Blood Center, University of Cincinnati is in critical need of platelet donors. All eligible donors are encouraged to make an appointment to donate blood at their earliest convenience regardless of blood type.
“We are experiencing low donor turn out” states Dr. Ronald Sacher, Director. “The demand is great as illness, trauma and cancer do not take a holiday. We need residents of the Tri-State to make a lifesaving donation within the week.”
Walk-ins are always welcome. Appointments can be scheduled by calling (513) 451-0910 or by visiting www.hoxworth.org.
If you are healthy and have not been previously deferred for some reason, please make an appointment to donate platelets! This blood component is critical for many seriously ill patients and has a very short shelf life (5 days) compared to other blood components. It takes a bit longer than whole-blood donation so bring a book or even a movie to pass the time! Though it is a time commitment, one benefit is that your iron levels aren’t affected (useful for those who, like me, have had difficulty replenishing iron stores after whole-blood donation).
Rules for accepting platelet donors have changed in the past couple of years and you now must have a very high platelet count to donate; but even if you don’t “make the cut”, you can donate whole blood while you are there! (That happened to me.)
PLEASE pay it forward by donating blood or platelets – one day the person in need could be you or one of your loved ones!