Mercy Health – Cincinnati, which provides advanced, quality, compassionate care in your neighborhood through its care network, announces a special opportunity to give the gift of life this holiday season when Clermont Hospital hosts a blood drive from 1:30-3:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 9.

The blood drive will take place on a donor bus parked in the hospital parking lot and is open to the community, as well as physicians, nurses and hospital staff. You can schedule your donation time by visiting www.hoxworth.org/groups/mercyclermont or calling 513-732-8234.

“Every day, patients at Cincinnati area hospitals need a minimum of 300 units of blood. Just one blood donation has the potential to save three lives. What better gift could you give this season?” asked Jeff Graham, Mercy Health East Market President and CEO. “The Clermont Hospital team is proud to do its part to ensure we have an adequate blood supply available for the care of our patients and we invite the community to join us in meeting a community need.”

You must meet all of the following criteria in order to donate:

• Be at least 17 years old
• Weigh at least 110 lbs.
• Generally feel well and healthy
• Have no fever, sore throat or flu-like symptoms
• Have no active cold symptoms
• Have not had major surgery recently

Other factors may affect your eligibility, including travel, medications, tattoos and piercings and pregnancy. For a comprehensive list of eligibility requirements, please visit www.hoxworth.org/donate_blood or call 513-558-1304.