University of Cincinnati

01/12/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/12/2026 12:38

Hoxworth Blood Center honors MLK with annual blood drive, community partnership, bonus for donors

Hoxworth Blood Center honors MLK with annual blood drive, community partnership, bonus for donors

3 minute read January 12, 2026 Share on facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn Share on Reddit Print StoryLike

Hoxworth Blood Center, University of Cincinnati, is honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by turning his message of service into action. One powerful way to do that is by donating with Hoxworth on MLK Day and helping save patients at local hospitals.

MLK Blood Drive at the Freedom Center

The annual MLK Day Blood Drive will take place from noon to 5 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 19, at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center (50 East Freedom Way, 4th floor). Each donor will receive:

  • UC puffy vest (while supplies last)
  • A Kroger gift card (while supplies last)
  • FREE admission to the Freedom Center on MLK Day made possible by the Fifth Third Foundation (Fifth Third Community Day)
  • A BONUS Kroger eGift card sent to their email after their donation

King believed that serving others was the highest calling, and donating blood is a simple, selfless act that directly saves lives in our community. Giving blood reflects his spirit of generosity, compassion and commitment to helping those in need. By rolling up a sleeve on MLK Day, donors honor King's gift of service and help carry his message forward through an act of love that truly makes a difference.

Appointments are highly recommended, but walk-ins will be accepted as time allows. You can schedule your appointment at this link: Hoxworth.org/mlk

MLK Day at Neighborhood Donor Centers

If you can't make it to the Hoxworth community event downtown on MLK Day, donors are encouraged to find an open Hoxworth center near them and still honor this day with a life-saving donation. Donors at any of the Neighborhood Donor Centers open Jan. 19 (Anderson, Blue Ash, Clifton, Ft. Mitchell, West Chester and Western Hills) will receive a Kroger eGift card too. That's $10 for whole blood donations and $20 for platelet and double red donations. Schedule your MLK Day appointment at this link: https://www.hoxworth.org/donors/locations.html

MLK Week of Giving: Jan. 19-25

Can't make it to the blood drive? Donate blood or platelets at any of Hoxworth's seven Neighborhood Donor Centers on behalf of MLK Day using the Group Code NUR.

Honor King's legacy with action. Use your day off to save lives. Schedule your blood donation today and give back to your community. Hoxworth.org

About Hoxworth Blood Center

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.

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University of Cincinnati published this content on January 12, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on January 12, 2026 at 18:38 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]