On March 31, 2008, the Hoxworth Blood Drive made its start. The Hoxworth Blood Drive is a part of many blood drives that are held here at Taylor and in the Cincinnati area. This drive has given help to many hospitals who need blood for the patients they treat.

Hoxworth in itself has been up and running for many years. Hoxworth was founded in 1938 and helps 28 hospitals in 17 counties in Southwestern Ohio, Northern Kentucky, Southeastern Indiana. The blood drive collects 90,000 units of blood a year from local volunteer donors.

Some of you may want to do this for the chance to save a life that may need blood in the future, but there is also a prize. Each donor is entered into a raffle for tickets to a Cincinnati Reds game. Both of these incentives are very good, but first you may want to see the rules for donors. Donors must be older than 17-years-old and in good condition so any sickness will keep you from donating. The weight of the donor must be at least 110 pounds and you must have a valid photo I.D. For those making donations you must eat a good size meal at least four hours before donating and drink plenty of juice and water before donating. This is very important because it will keep you from being tired or passing out after making a donation.

There are some people who may ask “is it safe?” The answer to that question is a big yes. Before the donation you will be put through a mini-examination to check your blood pressure, pulse, and temperature. Afterwards you will be sat down and have your blood drawn. For those afraid of contaminated needles the good news is the needles used are prepackaged and sterile. Once used the needles are thrown away and destroyed.

In the blood drive, hopes are to get many types of blood, but the blood type O is a big need. Over 44% of the human population has blood type O and this makes a problem for hospitals. The high percentage guarantees that the type of blood will be in high demand and even now the blood type is the most used in hospitals. So, if you have the O blood type your donation will be a big help. Along with blood type O the blood type AB- is also a big find for the blood drive. This is because that type of blood is a very rare form of blood type and since not many have it hospitals need it in the case that a patient may have AB- blood in a blood transfusion.

Coming up soon Taylor High School will be helping the Hoxworth Blood Drive by allowing students to give blood. Any donation of blood would help the blood drive in their cause to save lives. So why not see if you are able to give blood? Your donation may save a life that is in need. Even a small donation of blood may change the life of a person in need of it.