Make a Life-Saving Donation at the Lanai Community Blood Drive

Saving lives isn’t just for doctors and superheroes. Ordinary people can save up to three lives in one hour simply by donating a pint of blood.

In Hawaii, 200 donors are needed every day to fulfill the needs of hospitals. Blood transfusions are given to hundreds of patients each day to treat those suffering from cancer, anemia, blood disorders and other conditions, patients needing surgery, and victims of car accidents or other trauma.

Last year, the Blood Bank of Hawaii (BBH) faced significant challenges in meeting the blood supply needs of 18 hospitals across the state. BBH issued a critical appeal and communities throughout Hawaii answered with overwhelming support.

However, the need for blood is not a one-time occurrence — it’s a constant demand. That’s why BBH is issuing another call to donors, asking them to take just an hour out of their day to participate in a nearby blood drive.

Lanai Community Blood Drive

On Lanai, the community blood drive is on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Monday, Jan. 15 at the Pedro Dela Cruz Gym from 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

If you haven’t donated blood before, it’s simple:

• Drink lots of water and get a good night’s rest beforehand. Don’t skip breakfast!
• Arrive at your designated appointment time and fill out some paperwork.
• A BBH employee will check your vital signs (blood pressure, pulse, temperature and hemoglobin level). You’ll also go over your medical history in a confidential interview.
• A technician will draw one pint of blood, which only takes about five to eight minutes.
• You’ll rest for just a few minutes. Enjoy some refreshments and juice courtesy of BBH.
• That’s it — go on with your day as you normally would (minus any heavy lifting or strenuous exercise). Skip alcohol or cigarettes for at least 30 minutes after donating.
• Eat a hearty meal (you earned it!) and drink lots of water to replenish your fluids.

Give the gift of life

Remember, when you donate blood, it has far-reaching effects. Your red blood cells, platelets and plasma can provide a life-saving transfusion for up to three patients.

Each of those patients has a network of loved ones — mothers and fathers, daughters and sons, relatives and friends — whose lives are made better by your decision to donate.

Commit to saving lives

If you’re interested in saving lives, make an appointment to give blood at the Lanai community blood drive:

• Call Micah Camaquin at (808) 565-7900 (x238), weekdays between 8 a.m.–1:50 p.m.
• Call Shirley Samonte at Straub Lanai Family Health Center at (808) 565-6423.
• Email lhsbloodrive@gmail.com

Visit the Blood Bank of Hawaii website for more information on donor requirements, preparation and the donation process.