Understanding Blood Donation: A Guide for Families

About this episode

This episode discusses the importance of blood donation and its impact on children's health at Cincinnati Children's.

Blood donation has a vital role in care at Cincinnati Children’s and is truly a lifesaving resource. The impact of donating just once can make a meaningful difference in the lives of children who need care. In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Kristina Prus, director of transfusion medicine and Emily Kimball, physician outreach consultant, to talk about why blood donation matters and how donated blood is used in hospitals like Cincinnati Children's. Did you know that nearly all of the blood used for Cincinnati Children’s patients comes directly from our local partner, Howorth Blood Center? Dr. Prus and Emily explain what the Hoxworth Blood Center is and how our partnership directly impacts patients. They also walk through what blood donation really entails, what the term “blood products” means and how much blood Cincinnati Children’s uses on an average day. In addition, they dive into the importance of different blood types and share practical tips on ways families can support blood donation efforts if they feel nervous about giving blood or aren’t able to donate themselves. This episode is filled with clear, helpful information about how blood donation works, why it matters and…

People in this episode

Guests: Dr. Kristina Prus, Emily Kimball

Topics covered

• blood donation
• healthcare
• children's health
• family support
• transfusion medicine

Keywords

• blood donation
• transfusion medicine
• children's health
• Hoxworth Blood Center
• blood types
• donation tips

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Cincinnati Children’s, Hoxworth Blood Center, Howorth Blood Center

More episodes of Young & Healthy

• New Parent Anxiety, Uncomplicated · June 2, 2026 · 20 min
• Eczema in Kids: Causes, Flares, and Relief · March 20, 2026 · 33 min
• Consent and Communication: Building Healthy Relationships · February 20, 2026 · 27 min
• Is It Bronchiolitis? Signs, Symptoms, and When to Seek Care · January 23, 2026 · 32 min
• Is It a Nightmare or a Night Terror? A Guide for Parents · October 31, 2025 · 24 min
• Is Fluoride Safe for Kids? Your Questions Answered · October 17, 2025 · 33 min