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Fact SheetBackgroundFounded as a non-profit organization in 1941, Blood Bank of Hawaii has been providing blood to 17 civilian hospitals throughout the state for 70 years.MissionThe mission of Blood bank of Hawaii is to provide a safe and adequate blood supply to meet the needs of Hawaii’s patients.Saving LivesThere is no substitute for blood, and every day Hawaii’s patients count on volunteers to donate blood for their very survival. Typical uses for the blood include surgical procedures, treatment of accident victims, ulcers, anemia, delivery for mother and baby, and cancer.Because each pint of whole blood is separated into three components — platelets, red blood cells and plasma — a single donation can help save the lives of up to three people. Hawaii’s Community Blood SupplyDonors are needed every day to maintain an adequate blood supply to fulfill Hawaii’s blood needs.Blood Bank of Hawaii normally operates with a four- or five-day supply of blood on hand. If the Blood Bank of Hawaii’s blood supply drops to a three-day supply or lower, it is considered to be at a critical level and increased public appeals may be made to urge people to donate blood. Holidays can put an exceptional strain on the blood supply because donating competes with social events, shopping and other recreational activities. National statistics show that 60 percent of the population will need blood sometime in their lives, yet only two percent of Hawaii’s population donates blood. In 2010, more than 27,000 donors contributed approximately 60,000 pints of blood to the statewide program. While approximately 5,000 loyal donors give the gift of life on a regular basis, many donors donate just once a year. Donor SafetyDonor safety is our top priority. Donors are given a mini-physical, which includes checking blood pressure, pulse, and temperature. In addition, a red blood cell count is performed before the donation to make sure donors have enough to safely give away one pint of blood. A trained nursing team member is present at all times. All equipment used for the blood donation is sterile and disposable. It is used only once and never used again. It is impossible to get AIDS or hepatitis by giving blood.The donation process takes about an hour. There is some paper work, a confidential interview and a miniature physical, but the actual collection of blood takes only five to eight minutes. After donating, donors rest and are given refreshments to help replenish their own blood volume. Blood SafetyWith advances in medical technology and continuous updating of standards for collection and processing, the blood supply is safer than ever before. State-of-the-art testing is performed on each unit of blood to ensure the safety of the product. In addition, several other layer of safety are built into the donation process, including the completion of an in-depth questionnaire, followed by a confidential interview and an option for anonymous self-exclusion.Donor CentersDillingham Donor Center Downtown Donor Center (Closing April 5) Young Street Donor Center (Opening April 10) Blood Bank of Hawaii regularly visits Kona, Hilo, Kauai and Maui. Contact Information To make an appointment, set up a blood drive, or get more information, visit www.BBH.org or call the Blood Bank of Hawaii at 845-9966 on Oahu or 1-800-372-9966 from the Neighbor Islands. |