Blood Bank Hawaii has scheduled six days of blood drives on Hawaii Island in the month of May. They’re asking both residents and visitors to the island to donate a gift which they say can be the gift of life for those receiving the blood.
The West-side drives will be held:
- 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.
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.
Every day in Hawaii, hundreds of patients count on volunteer blood donors for their survival. 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.
In Hawaii, only two percent of the eligible population donates blood. More donors are always needed. The requirements to be a blood donor are 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
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.
