The East Central Ohio Chapter of the American Red Cross has announced it will host a community open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new blood and platelet donation center in Newark, Ohio. The announcement was made in a press release on March 10, 2025.
According to the press release, the grand opening event is scheduled for March 12, 2025, at 4 p.m. The facility is located at 225 N. 21st St., and aims to collect between 200-240 units of blood per month during its first year. The event will feature a ribbon cutting with Mayor Jeff Hall, Rob Montagnese of Licking Memorial Health Systems, and Red Cross officials. Attendees will be offered tours and light refreshments.
The Newark Blood and Platelet Donation Center will provide a consistent donation location for over 180,000 residents of Licking County. It will operate from Sunday through Wednesday with varying hours. The Red Cross encourages local donors to make appointments at the new center to help meet ongoing blood and platelet needs.
"This new blood collection center is the culmination of a lot of hard work and generous financial contributions from so many community members," said Rod Cook, Executive Director of the American Red Cross East Central Ohio Chapter. Cook added that by making an appointment to donate blood or platelets, donors can feel good knowing they may be helping patients not only in their community but also family and friends across the nation. "The Red Cross, and all our supportive partners, are pleased to offer donors this new opportunity to help provide hope, healing and access to treatment for patients in need."
The American Red Cross of East Central Ohio has been serving counties such as Crawford, Marion, Richland, Morrow, Knox, among others since 1917 with eight office locations. According to its website, the organization encourages involvement through attending events, volunteering, donating blood, learning lifesaving skills or making financial contributions. It offers a range of services including disaster relief, blood donation and military assistance.
