Steven Meyers
I can give it, so why not?
Steven Meyers
Like clockwork, Steven Meyers of Colerain Township settles into the donor chair at Hoxworth Blood Center in Western Hills. A humble man, this act of compassion has become routine for Steven. Now 70 years old, Steven recently reached an extraordinary milestone: 300 platelet donations. His motivation is simple and selfless: ‘I can give it, so why not?’
Read more and watch Steven's story below to learn more about how each visit is a reminder that one person’s steady generosity can help save countless lives.
Since the late 1970s or early 1980s, Steven Meyers has been donating blood at Hoxworth Blood Center. He gave a time or two in high school but he really got into the habit because of a friend.
“I started in the 80s becoming a regular donor because a friend needed blood. By the 90s I switched to donating platelets.”
Did you Know?
Platelet donation is a unique type of donation. Platelets are short lived blood cells that help with clotting in a patient’s body. The donation is an automated process where a machine collects platelets from a donor while returning red cells and most plasma. Here are some quick facts about platelet donation:
- Platelets must be transfused into patients within five days of donation
- Hoxworth needs 50 platelet donors a day to meet the needs at local hospitals in the Tri-State
- Platelets are used in cancer treatment, organ transplant, and research
- A platelet appointment lasts approximately 90 minutes to two hours
- Donors are eligible every 14 days and can donate 24 times a year
- Types A and AB blood are best to donate platelets
Donor Becomes Recipient
In an ironic turn of events, Steven had to rely on donated blood to help him through an illness.
“Two years ago I needed blood. So it was like a turnaround, I had to rely on someone else to help me. I was grateful to have blood donors during that time.”
Steven had a lower bowl infection and was losing a lot of blood. To treat the infection, he had to have three units of blood transfused at Good Samaritan Hospital. Steven was eager to get back to donating after his transfusion. He had to wait three months before he was healthy enough to continue his #HoxworthHabit.
Hoxworth Hero
To honor Steven’s dedication, he has been recognized on the Local 12 What’s Happening in Health Show and Hoxworth’s Donor of the Week – Twice! He also had the privilege to throw out the first pitch at Hoxworth’s Pitching for Platelets event at the Cincinnati Reds baseball game in 2023, as the lucky platelet donor chosen from our high-frequency donors. His grandson got to play catcher!
Steven says he passes the time while donating by reading a book or watching a video or even talking to the donors and staff. He has come to know them well considering how often he visits the donor center.
“Donors like Steven are the heartbeat of Hoxworth’s mission to save lives right here in our community,” says Director of Experience Jim Watts. “His consistent commitment to platelet donation directly supports the patients who rely on us every day.”
If You Can Donate, You Should
When asked how he would encourage others to donate, Steve says it’s simple: if you can donate, you should. He mentions it’s a bonus to take home the thank you gifts provided by Hoxworth! A couple of his favorites over the years include a wearable blanket, a backpack cooler and half of his wardrobe!
If you are interested in becoming a platelet donor like Steven, you can schedule an appointment today! Donors meeting whole blood donation criteria can usually donate platelets, but their platelet count must be verified for safety. You can talk to the staff at Hoxworth to learn more. Call 513-451-0910, go to Hoxworth.org or use the mobile app for more information.