Blood bank needs
red on red, white
and blue day

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By Pat Gee
pgee@starbulletin.com

The Blood Bank of Hawaii is calling for volunteer blood donors especially needed this week in light of the Fourth of July holiday.

"The holidays are tough on the state's blood supply, and this Fourth of July will be no exception," said Robyn Yim, Blood Bank of Hawaii president and medical director.

"Donor turnout is traditionally low as people are busy with holiday activities and special vacation plans. The need for blood never stops, and community support is needed to keep the blood supply at a safe level."

"Giving blood is safe, it's simple and it saves lives," Yim said. To donate you must be in good health, 18 years of age or older, weigh 110 pounds or more and provide a valid photo ID.

Donor Center hours this week are as follows:

Dillingham Donor Center, 2043 Dillingham Blvd.

>> Today, 6:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

>> Tomorrow, 6:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

>> Thursday, 6:30 a.m.-7 p.m.

>> Friday, 6:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

>> Saturday, 6:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

>> Sunday, closed

Downtown Donor Center, 126 Queen St.

>> Today, 6:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

>> Tomorrow, 6:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

>> Thursday, 6:30 a.m.-3 p.m.

>> Friday to Sunday, closed

The following community blood drives are also taking place:

>> Tomorrow, Windward Mall, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Kahala Mall, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

>> Thursday, Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park, 3:30-6:30 p.m.

>> Saturday, Times Super Market Kailua, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.

>> Sunday, Pearlridge Center, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

The Blood Bank of Hawaii is a nonprofit organization that provides blood to civilian hospitals throughout the state. The process takes one to 1 1/2 hours. There is some paperwork and a miniature physical, but the actual collection of blood takes only five to eight minutes.

To make an appointment or get more information, call the Blood Bank at 845-9966, or check out the Web site at http://www.bbh.org.