CINCINNATI — Hoxworth Blood Center is in "critical" need of type-O blood.
Alecia Lipton, a Hoxworth spokesperson, said all eligible individuals are being asked to donate blood immediately.
“We are asking all eligible individuals with type-O blood to donate as soon as possible,” Lipton said. “Blood is being distributed to local hospitals faster than it can be collected, and we cannot rely on acquiring blood from other communities at this time.”
Type-O blood is critical to have in high supply, according to Lipton, because it can be universally transfused to any other blood type in an emergency.
“Recent heavy usage due to traumas and organ transplants, coupled with low donor turnout in recent weeks, has drained local supply of O-blood,” said David Oh, MD, Chief Medical Officer of Hoxworth Blood Center. “We urge the community to schedule a donation as soon as possible to ensure that patients in need will have lifesaving blood products available when needed."
Appointments are encouraged and masks are required while donating. To schedule a donation, call 513-451-0910 or visit www.hoxworth.org.
