The American Red Cross Central & Southern Ohio Region has issued a call for blood and platelet donations during National Volunteer Month to help maintain a stable supply, particularly of type O blood and platelets. This announcement was made in a press release on April 17, 2025.
According to the American Red Cross, more than 12,000 blood donations and 3,000 platelet donations are required daily to meet medical needs. Blood drives and donation sites rely heavily on volunteers for both time and donations. Those who donate between April 14–30, 2025, will receive a Red Cross T-shirt while supplies last and will be automatically entered into a drawing for a $5,000 prize, with three winners selected.
Additional donor incentives will be available in May. Individuals who give blood or platelets from May 1–18, 2025, will receive a $20 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice. Throughout May, all donors will also have the chance to win a domestic trip for two. The Red Cross employs these promotions during National Volunteer Month to support consistent blood supply levels as donation rates fluctuate.
Blood donation opportunities are scheduled in Knox and Licking Counties from April 17 to May 5, 2025. Knox County locations include Bladensburg (May 1), Centerburg (April 22), and multiple sites in Mount Vernon such as the Moose Lodge and Knox Community Hospital (April 17), the Grand Hotel (April 22 and April 29), and Covenant Christian Church (May 3). In Licking County, drives are set for Etna (April 17), Granville (April 23), Utica (April 17), and several dates at the Newark Blood Donation Center. Other locations include Licking Valley High School, Buckeye Shooting Center, and Tri Village Christian Church in Pataskala (May 1).
The American Red Cross Central & Southern Ohio Region serves nearly six million people across 47 counties in Ohio, Northern Kentucky, and Southeast Indiana, including major cities like Cincinnati, Columbus, and Dayton. It provides disaster relief, emergency preparedness training, mental health support, and supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood. The region operates five chapter locations and six blood donation centers with volunteers making up about 90% of its workforce.
