HONOLULU — The Blood Bank of Hawai‘i and Hawai‘i Foodbank are banking on the generosity of blood donors to save lives and help to feed those who have been impacted by this year’s pandemic.
The BBH brings its mobile unit to the Kaua‘i Beach Resort near Hanama‘ulu Monday through Wednesday, Dec. 21 to 23.
For every blood donation made during this “Give Blood, End Hunger” campaign, a meal wil be donted to those in need through the Hawai‘i Foodbank.
The BBH needs 150 to 200 whole blood, plasma and platelet appointments per day to meet statewide demand. Depending on donor turnout, Hawai‘i Foodbank could receive the equivalent of 4,000 to 6,000 meals statewide by month’s end.
As the holidays approach, BBH anticipates a historic, 20% dip in donations, and Hawai‘i Foodbank forecasts an unrelenting demand for food.
“We’re grateful to partner with Hawai‘i Foodbank to make the holidays brighter for Hawai‘i’s patients and families,” said Todd Lewis, BBH chief operating officer. “We encourage all healthy donors to join us this December, because just as no patient should go without blood, no member of our community should go without food.”
“Coming together with Blood Bank of Hawai‘i embodies this season of giving, and we appreciate their spirit of partnership to keep our community healthy and fed,” said Hawai‘i Foodbank President and CEO Ron Mizutani. “As families continue to struggle in these uncertain times, this effort will help to feed thousands during the holidays.”
Hawai‘i faces an immediate and high need for COVID-19 Convalescent Plasma (CCP), received from recovered COVID-19 patients that can help active COVID-19 patients fight off the virus.
In preparation of a potential post-holiday surge, it is imperative that Hawai‘i increases its local CCP inventory until a vaccine is widely distributed.
Residents who tested positive for COVID-19 and want to help are urged to contact Blood Bank of Hawaii via phone 808-848-4706 or email covidplasma@bbh.org.
Healthy donors interested in giving blood may register at bbh.org or call 808-848-4770. Appointments are required. Individuals with questions about operations during COVID-19 may visit bbh.org/COVID-19 or connect via social media.
