The Blood Bank of Hawai‘i invites Kaua‘i residents to donate blood on April 1 at Wilcox Memorial Hospital, Conference Rooms A, B and C, from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Every day in Hawai‘i, hundreds of patients count on volunteer
The Blood Bank of Hawai‘i invites Kaua‘i residents to donate blood on April 1 at Wilcox Memorial Hospital, Conference Rooms A, B and C, from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Every day in Hawai‘i, hundreds of patients count on volunteer blood donors for their survival, a news release states. 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 release states.
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, the release states.
In Hawai‘i, 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 the Blood Bank of Hawaii toll-free at 1-800-372-9966.
