Hoxworth Blood Center, University of Cincinnati, and Major League Soccer's two Ohio clubs, FC Cincinnati and the Columbus Crew, are launching the first Hell is Real Blood Drive Competition. The drive will take place from August 1-25 and will see which club's supporters can donate more blood to help those in need.
All FC Cincinnati fans and blood donors interested in participating in the Hell is Real Blood Drive can visit any of Hoxworth's seven Neighborhood Donor Centers and select mobile blood drives between August 1-25. All donors will receive a complimentary "I Bleed Orange and Blue" T-shirt in FC Cincinnati colors.
"Our partnership with FC Cincinnati has historically helped boost blood collections during the difficult summer months, and we couldn't be more thankful," says David Oh, MD, Chief Medical Officer of Hoxworth Blood Center. "We are even more excited this year for our greater Cincinnati community to rally behind the #1 team in the MLS to help bolster our blood supply and compete against the Columbus Crew to make an impactful mark on both of our Ohio communities."
The Columbus Crew has partnered with their local blood bank in Columbus and will compete against Hoxworth and FC Cincinnati to see which team can rally more donors to give back to their community through blood donation. The winning team of the Hell is Real Blood Drive Competition will receive a trophy co-designed by both clubs. The winner will be announced following the blood drive via social media - date TBD.
Hoxworth officials added that there has been a decline in donor turnout this summer which has negatively impacted the local blood supply and blood and platelet donors are critically needed to maintain a stable and healthy supply of blood products for patients in area hospitals.
