In Hawaii, it requires 150 to 200 donors a day to maintain our local blood inventory at safe levels. Because there has been a chronic blood shortage on the mainland, The Blood Bank of Hawaii is counting on local donors to meet that need.
Successful blood transfusions depend on matching donor and recipient blood types, so all blood types are needed. However, because blood type O can be received by most people, it is in highest demand. Maui tends to have a high percentage of O+ and O- donors. If you don’t know your blood type, donating blood is a great way to find out.
The pandemic diminished the ability to host drives at high schools and universities. Healthy donors age 17 and over (16+ with parental consent) can donate, and students in high school and college are encouraged to come out and support the blood drive.
Each donation can save up to 3 lives because whole blood can be separated into platelets, plasma and red blood cells, depending upon each patient’s medical needs.
Mr. Todd Lewis, Chief Operating Officer, Blood Bank of Hawaii says, “Whether you’re a new or returning donor, our Maui team looks forward to welcoming you to our drive. On behalf of the patients of Hawaii and all of us at Blood Bank of Hawaii, mahalo for being part of our life-saving mission.”
Appointments are required, as they no longer accept walk-ins and it only takes about 1 hour. The process is easy and safe, and it is recommended that donors be well-hydrated and have something to eat before they come in to donate.
- Location: Cameron Center, 95 Mahalani St, Wailuku
- Dates/Times:
- Tuesday, March 22 from 8am – 6pm
- Wednesday, March 23 from 9am – 7pm
- Thursday, March 24 from 6am – 3pm
- Be prepared: Eat before you go and arrive well-hydrated.
- How to schedule an appointment: Visit bbh.org or call (808) 848-4770
