Blood Bank Calls for Donors Over Memorial Day Weekend

While Memorial Day is dedicated to remembering those who have lost their lives, it also anchors a traditionally dangerous holiday weekend on the roads. Some studies have found fatalities rise by as much as 30 percent on a day Americans set aside to commemorate the fallen.

Unfortunately, the holiday also presents a challenge to local blood banks, as donations drop when communities focus their attentions elsewhere.

The Blood Bank of Hawaii today put out the call for donors to step up this weekend. “With the upcoming three-day weekend and anticipated low donor turnout, we ask for your help… the need for blood is 365/24/7,” the announcement reads. “Thank you for all your support and effort in helping meet the blood needs of Hawaii’s patients.”

Below is a list of donation drive locations on Oahu. Donors are urged to call 848-4770 to make an appointment.

Friday, May 25

• Dillingham Donor Center 6:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Young Street Donor Center 6:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Saturday, May 26

• Dillingham Donor Center 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
• Young Street Donor Center 6:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
• Alii Beach Medical Group 8:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
• Kaneohe Bay Shopping Center 6:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Sunday, May 27

• Holy Family Catholic Academy 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• Waikele Center 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Monday, Memorial Day, May 28

• Dillingham Donor Center 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
• Manoa Marketplace 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• Ewa Beach Elementary 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Tuesday, May 29

• Dillingham Donor Center 6:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Young Street Donor Center 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
• Castle Medical Center 11:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Shriners Hospital for Children 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
• Downtown Community – Bishop St. 9:45 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

You may donate if you are in good health, weigh at least 110 pounds, have a valid photo ID with birth date, and are at least 18 years old (or 17 years old with signed Blood Bank parent/legal guardian consent form).

Blood Bank of Hawaii is a non-profit organization founded in 1941 that provides lifesaving blood products to 17 civilian hospitals statewide. Typical uses for the blood include surgical procedures, treatment of accident victims, ulcers, anemia, delivery for mother and baby, and cancer.