CINCINNATI — While hospitals across the state are seeing more people than ever because of the COVID-19 pandemic, blood centers are in desperate need of healthy community members to donate blood.

​The holidays are a time of giving but at the University of Cincinnati the Hoxworth Blood Center is asking those able to give blood this holiday season.

That’s why the blood center is setting up shop on UC’s campus this week.

“We want to get these students and faculty and staff to donate blood right before the holiday right before everyone’s leaving," Jackie Marschall with the Hoxworth Blood Center said.

For blood donor Betsy King, this isn’t her first rodeo. She said she donates for her late grandfather who donated blood many times during his life.

“I’m the only one in my family who can, so that’s why I do it all the time," King said.

While donating blood may impact everyone differently, King said it shouldn’t be something to be afraid of.

“You should not be nervous at all," King said. "They take really goo care of you.”

King recently made a donation

“I feel great,” she said as she finished her donation.

Blood center representatives said now more than ever it’s important to donate blood.

“We are experiencing a surge in coronavirus cases which means that less people are able to come out and donate," Marschall said. "So, if you’re healthy and well we are urging you to come out and donate blood.”

The blood center also offers plasma donation if someone has recovered from COVID-19. Represnetives said the blood drive is a great way to see how a community can come together.

“It’s really exciting to see a bunch of young people still participating and doing a really nice act for the community," Marschall said.

“You’re saving lives and you never know who might need some blood," King said. "It’s just a good thing to do.”

This blood drive is going on at the University of Cincinnati all week from 10 a.m. to 5 pm. Appointments are encouraged.