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.
The Blood Bank of Hawaii is scheduling six blood drives for Hawaii Island residents and friends in March:
The West-side drives will be held:
— Monday, March 12: Church of Latter Day Saints, Kona Hawaii Stake, Cultural Hall, 10:15 a.m.-5:15 p.m.
— Tuesday, March 13: Church of Latter Day Saints, Waimea Hawaii Ward, Cultural Hall, 7 a.m.-2:15 p.m.
— Wednesday, March 14: Solid Rock Ministries, first-floor worship area, 7 a.m.-3 p.m.
The East-side drives will be held:
— Monday, March 26: Honpa Hongwanji Hilo Betsuin, Sangha Hall, 8:45 a.m.-3:45 p.m.
— Tuesday, March 27: Aunty Sally’s Luau Hale, 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
— Wednesday, March 28: Waiakea High School library, 7:30 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 2 percent of the eligible population donates blood. More donors are always needed. The requirements to be a blood donor are:
— 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.