Blood Bank Hawaii has scheduled six days of blood drives on Hawaii Island in the month of May. Right now, they’re looking for donors for the Kona and Waimea drives. Donors are welcomed, whether people who live on the island full time or part time, or visitors.
Blood Bank Hawaii will be on the island and is asking for donors to consider three dates/locations:
- Monday, May 7: Church of Latter Day Saints, Kona Stake Center, Cultural Hall, 10:15.m. – 5:15 p.m.
- Tuesday, May 8: Church of Latter Day Saints, Waimea Ward, Cultural Hall, 7 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.
- Wednesday, May 9: Kealakehe High School, Gymnasium, 7:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Typical uses for the donated blood include surgical procedures; treatment of accident victims and chemotherapy patients; and mothers and newborns during delivery.
Because each donation is separated into three different components — red blood cells, platelets and plasma — a single donation can help save the lives of up to three people.
The donation process is safe and usually takes about an hour. A confidential interview and a mini-physical are administered, but the actual collection of blood takes only five to eight minutes.
Blood Bank says the requirements to be a donor are fairly simple:
- Be in good health
- Be 18 years of age or older (17 with signed Blood Bank parent/legal guardian consent form)
- Weigh 110 pounds or more
- Bring a valid photo ID with date of birth
Blood Bank Hawaii will have a drive in East Hawaii later in May, as follows:
The East-side drives will be held:
- Monday, May 21: Hawaii County Police Dept, 349 Kapiolani St., 1st floor training room, 8:45 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.
- Tuesday, May 22: Aunty Sally’s Kaleohanao’s Luau Hale, 7:30 a.m. – 4:45 p.m.
- Wednesday, May 23: Aunty Sally’s Kaleohanao’s Luau Hale, 7 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
To make an appointment or get more information, visit www.BBH.org or call Blood Bank of Hawaii toll-free at 1-800-372-9966.
