Hoxworth Blood Center launches Pucks for Platelets to celebrate Cincinnati’s lifesaving heroes

Hoxworth Blood Center is partnering with the Cincinnati Cyclones to honor Cincinnati’s most dedicated platelet donors with an exclusive insider experience called Pucks for Platelets. The initiative aims to recognize and celebrate the lifesaving contributions of platelet donors, who help to ensure the survival of patients battling cancer, trauma and other life-threatening conditions in local hospitals.

"Platelet donors are the unsung heroes of our community. They give so selflessly, often more than twice a month, to provide lifesaving treatments to patients who need them most," said Jen Howell, division director of marketing and communications at Hoxworth. "Through Pucks for Platelets, we’re excited to bring these donors together for a fun night and show them just how much we appreciate their dedication to saving lives."

In exchange for donating three or more times in October and November, qualifying donors will receive tickets to a Cincinnati Cyclones game on Dec. 17, along with a VIP experience designed to thank them for their ongoing commitment to saving lives.

Pucks for Platelets will give donors and their guests access to a unique hockey experience, including:

• 2 tickets to the Dec. 17 Cyclones game
• FREE parking provided by SP+ Parking and Hamilton County
• An opportunity to join the pre-game Fan Tunnel & backstage Rally Alley
• A post-game photo on the ice
• A Hoxworth gift bag (with a Cyclones puck inside)
• A chance to be the lucky donor who gets to drop the first puck (every donation counts as another drawing opportunity)!

Every year, 65 percent of platelets collected at Hoxworth go to patients at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, where young cancer patients depend on frequent transfusions for their treatment. Platelet donations are also vital for trauma victims, transplant patients and others undergoing complex medical procedures.

This event comes at a crucial time as platelet donations tend to drop during the fall and winter months. With Pucks for Platelets, Hoxworth hopes to not only thank current donors but also inspire new donors to give.

Hoxworth is the only blood center serving the Tristate area and needs more than 450 blood and platelet donors daily to maintain a stable supply for local hospitals.

For more information about Pucks for Platelets or to schedule a donation, please visit www.hoxworth.org/pucks-for-platelets or call (513) 451-0910.

Featured image at top: Hoxworth and Cincinnati Cyclones insider experience called Pucks for Platelets. Photo/Cincinnati Cyclones.