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Hoxworth Blood Center asks donors to help stop Cincy's blood supply from drying up this December

Donors can win $500 gift cards
Posted at 5:29 AM, Dec 07, 2016
and last updated 2016-12-07 05:29:10-05

CINCINNATI -- It may be the season of giving, but Hoxworth Blood Center says people haven't been giving blood lately.

It's a problem that happens almost every year -- blood donations drop around the holidays as regular donors are caught up in the holiday rush and don't come by as often. This has the Tri-State's supply of donated blood running low. 

At the end of November, Hoxworth issued a critical appeal for Type O negative donors blood since it had "only 60 percent of the optimal O negative inventory needed to serve 30 Tri-State hospitals."

"Illnesses can't take a vacation, they can't take a day off and celebrate the holiday so the need is continuous. Unfortunately, we see donors backing off during that holiday period," said Alecia Lipton, public information officer for Hoxworth.

Besides helping giving someone the gift of better health, blood donors will have the chance to win one of six $500 gift cards that Hoxworth will raffle off in the days leading up to Christmas.

Anyone who donates blood at a Hoxworth Neighborhood Donor Center or mobile blood drive from Dec. 12 through Dec. 17 will be entered to win a $500 Visa gift card. One gift card will be raffled off each day, for a total of six winners.
                                                                                                                              
“With all of the hustle and bustle that comes along with holiday preparation, making time to donate blood often falls to the wayside,” Lipton said. “We invite all eligible donors to stop by their local Hoxworth donor center to give the gift of life in the spirit of the holiday season. As a thank you, each donor will be entered to win a $500 gift card to offset holiday expenses.”

Appointments for blood donation are encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome. Donors can schedule appointments by calling (513) 451-0910 or by scheduling online at the Hoxworth website here. Find information about area blood drives here.