OHIO Groups get creative for blood donations

Unusual promotions are needed because most people don't donate blood.
CLEVELAND (AP) -- Some in Michigan who roll up their sleeves to donate blood will get a racetrack T-shirt, hat and pin. Sponsors in San Diego have given away whale-watching trips. On Wednesday, the Cleveland Regional Transit Authority handed out vouchers for a pint of any beverage, including beer, in exchange for a pint of blood.
The Cleveland promotion was the latest gift offered by businesses and organizations that sponsor drives to try to build up the blood banks, many of which are running desperately low, including in some parts of Ohio where there was less than a day's supply.
"'Pint for a pint' is a catchy message," said Karen Kelley, spokeswoman for the Red Cross in northeast Ohio. "I can see co-workers or neighbors getting together days following the drive to enjoy a celebratory drink for having helped others."
Kelley said the supply in northeast Ohio area including Cleveland was critically low. There was less than a half day's worth of type A negative, for example. Without new donations, area hospitals will be forced to rely on neighboring states for blood -- if those states can spare it.
Nationally, there was about 21/2 days' worth of blood on hand Wednesday. A healthy supply is five to seven days' worth, said Michelle Hudgins, spokeswoman for the Red Cross.
Using the vouchers
Hudgins said the vouchers handed out in Cleveland can be used for any beverage in the city's Warehouse District, a collection of trendy bars, night clubs and restaurants near downtown.
But beer or any other kind of alcohol is an option, as long as the donor is over the legal age of 21 and waits at least 24 hours after giving blood to drink alcohol. Giving blood leaves people dehydrated, so the alcohol could have an extra strong effect too soon after donating.
Frank Humr, a city firefighter who donated Wednesday afternoon, said he'd give his voucher away.
"I don't drink anymore," said Humr, 44. "Maybe I'll buy someone a beer. I donated blood, I'll donate my beer."
Kelley said the point was more about getting the attention of the 95 percent of eligible blood donors who don't give.
The transit authority also gave away free bus rides to the drive site in the Warehouse District to downtown workers who wanted to donate during the event, which ends today.