"Badges" Unite to Recruit Blood Donors

Firefighters, EMTs and Law Enforcement professionals know about saving lives from firsthand experience. This summer, they are saving lives in a different way: urging blood donations by their peers and the community as part of Hoxworth Blood Center’s Summer Lifesaver Challenge.

The Summer Lifesaver Challenge is launching with the Memorial Day weekend since the most difficult time of the year for blood donor recruitment is summer. Hoxworth Blood Center, University of Cincinnati announced the program at a press conference on Thursday, May 27.

Spearheading the campaign are representatives these public safety professions:

Sandra Decker, EMT with the  Alexandria, Kentucky Fire Department,

Thomas Streicher, Cincinnati Police Chief and

Robert Wright, Cincinnati Fire Chief. 

“The tri-state urgently needs more blood donors. Last year, more than 6,000 blood donors from around the U.S. had to give blood for our local patients,” said Decker. “That’s why we’re doing this. As a community, we need to take care of ourselves.”

Decker is a longtime and passionate supporter of blood donation, regularly organizing blood drives in Kentucky.

 “The Summer Lifesaver Challenge challenges our staff and supporters to give blood – while honoring our professions,” explained Chief Streicher. “I’m asking you – challenging you – to give blood at a Hoxworth Neighborhood Donor Center or blood drive.”

“Throughout this campaign blood donations can be made in the name of your local Fire Department, Police Department or EMT Unit.  You can honor a hero and save a life at the same time,” said Chief Wright. 

“These lifesaving organizations see the need for blood donation each and every day,” said Hoxworth director Dr. Ronald Sacher, M.D. “As we approach the Memorial Day weekend we are entering a season when blood donation is at its lowest and usage it at its highest.

Local Law Enforcement Departments, Fire Departments and EMT Units are encouraged to arrange for blood drives at their locations during the summer months. Individuals interested in scheduling a blood drive for their organization can contact Hoxworth Blood Center at (513) 558-1200 or schedule a personal donation, please call (513) 451-0910.

About Hoxworth (www.hoxworth.org)

Hoxworth Blood Center, University of Cincinnati, was founded in 1938 and serves 32 hospitals in 17 counties in Southwestern Ohio, Northern Kentucky and Southeastern Indiana.  Daily, at least 350 volunteer blood donors and 40 volunteer platelet donors are essential to meet the demands of tri-state hospitals and their patients.