The Blood Bank of Hawaii celebrated World Blood Donor Day on June 14 in a unique way to recognize Hawaii’s 25,000 volunteer blood donors.
The Blood Bank of Hawaii celebrated World Blood Donor Day on June 14 in a unique way to recognize Hawaii’s 25,000 volunteer blood donors.
Officials unveiled a human blood drop photo mosaic after inviting the community to thank donors by submitting their photos.
In just a two-week period, hundreds of photos were sent from island blood donors, patient-recipients, BBH staff, hospital partners, local businesses and organizations. Many photos included great stories from proud donors and thankful recipients.
This mosaic wouldn’t be possible without Hawaii’s community, providing the inspiration for its title, “It Takes a Community to Save Lives.” Coincidentally, the bank received exactly 808 photos — perfect for Hawaii, whose statewide area code is one and the same.
To put together the photo mosaic, photos were posted and tagged through digital mediums – email, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and www.BBH.org.
The response was overwhelming, said Kim-Anh Nguyen, president and CEO.
“The mosaic is entitled ‘It Takes a Community to Save Lives,’” Nguyen said. “Each and every day volunteer donors, businesses, schools, churches and other organizations do their part in donating blood and hosting drives for the hospitals and patients who need it. The mosaic features the faces of a community brought together by their appreciation and aloha for Hawaii’s blood donors.”
“In addition to photos, we received many personal stories and messages from proud donors and grateful blood recipients,” noted Maura Dolormente, director of marketing. “These personal stories inspire others to save lives and keep loyal donors giving.”
The mosaic is on display through the end of the month at the Dillingham Donor Center on Oahu. To view it online, visit the Blood Bank of Hawaii website.
World Blood Donor Day is part of a global campaign to build public awareness of the need for safe blood and blood products and to thank those special individuals who give blood voluntarily and regularly without reward.