Hoxworth Blood Center, University of Cincinnati Medical Center needs to collect from 350 volunteer blood donors and 40 volunteer platelet donors each day to keep up with the demands of tri-state hospitals and their patients. Hoxworth, founded in 1938, serves 31 hospitals in 17 counties in Southwestern Ohio, Northern Kentucky and Southeastern Indiana. Annually, Hoxworth collects almost 90,000 units of blood from local volunteer donors.

Donating blood and is safe and easy, and is a great way to give back to your community. Each donation takes about one hour and could save up to three lives.

The minimum requirements to give blood are:

•Age: At least 17 years old and in good general health. There is no upper age limit.

•Weight Minimum of 110 pounds.

•Identification: Must provide photo I.D.

•Food: Eat a good meal within four hours before giving.