Cincinnati Arts Association and the Music Hall resident companies will once again team up with Hoxworth Blood Center in a special blood drive, Lifesaving as an Art. The drive will be held 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., March 1, at Music Hall. All blood donors will receive an exclusive "It Takes All Types" umbrella, as well as gifts from participating sponsors.
The Lifesaving as an Art blood drive received national recognition as Outstanding Blood Drive of the Year from ABC (America's Blood Centers) for uniting several local arts organizations to assist Hoxworth in Saving Lives Close to Home. Partners include The Cincinnati Arts Association, Cincinnati Ballet, Cincinnati Opera, May Festival, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, and Friends of Music Hall.
"What an honor that Lifesaving as an Art has been recognized nationally," said Scott Altman, Cincinnati Ballet, President and CEO. "The arts play a critical role in our community, and we are honored to be a part of helping support our area hospitals."
"We are so excited that Lifesaving as an Art and our amazing arts partners are being recognized on a national level," said Alecia Lipton, director of public relations for Hoxworth Blood Center. "It is our hope that with this event, we can collect much-needed blood products for our area hospitals while simultaneously celebrating the role of the arts in our community while working to create a more inclusive environment for everyone in Cincinnati," Lipton said.
Additionally, in recognition of the LGBTQ+ community involvement in the arts, Hoxworth will be once again provide cards for donors and allies to sign in support of amending eligibility guidelines that prevent men who have sex with men from donating blood. These cards will then be sent to the FDA.
"We are honored that Americas Blood Center has recognized Hoxworth and the Cincinnati arts community for our efforts to extend the healing power of music and meet the needs of our community," says Jonathan Martin, President and CEO of Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. "We urge our donors and allies to complete cards sent to the FDA to address the inequities that still exist in blood donation regulations that impact the LGBTQ+ members of our community. We are proud to join Hoxworth and our arts partners in this endeavor."
"The generosity of our community is truly inspiring," said Chris Milligan, The Harry Fath General Director & CEO of Cincinnati Opera. "We're proud to join Hoxworth and our Music Hall colleagues in bringing attention to the critical need for blood donation. And we thank our fellow Cincinnatians for showing up to answer the call."
Masks are required at all Hoxworth locations. The Lifesaving as an Art blood drive will be held indoors in a large, open area in the Music Hall ballroom to adhere to social distancing protocols. Hoxworth staff will be changing gloves between each donor, and all shared surfaces will be sanitized at regular intervals.
Appointments for blood donation are highly encouraged at this time to manage donor flow and follow social distancing guidelines. Donors can schedule appointments by calling (513) 451-0910 or by scheduling online.
Donors should enter the blood drive from the Box Office/Ballroom Entrance on Elm Street. Learn more about parking at Music Hall.
About Hoxworth:
Hoxworth Blood Center, University of Cincinnati, was founded in 1938, and serves more than 30 hospitals in 18 counties in Southwestern Ohio, Northern Kentucky and Southeastern Indiana. Annually, Hoxworth collects more than 100,000 units of blood from local donors to help save the lives of patients in area hospitals. Hoxworth Blood Center: Saving Lives Close to Home.
