Just Your Type - Learning from the Past

Learning from the Past

Most blood drives run smoothly, but on occasion, challenges arise and can cause delays that affect your time and the pint collection goal that Hawaii's patients rely on. Here we share a few experiences from the Blood Bank archives that may help us all avoid repeating similar situations.

What Blood Drive?
It's rare, but on occasion a mobile crew will arrive at the site of a blood drive with a large goal, only to find that the person in charge of the drive is out or on vacation and there is no room prepared, no tables, and most regrettably - donors with no place to go.

Every blood drive requires logistical planning and oversight. A BBH Field Representative is assigned to provide assistance and be responsible for making sure that everything is taken care of before blood drive day.

“We greatly appreciate the time and attention to detail that Lifesaver Club coordinators dedicate to blood donation as a community service,” explained Blood Bank of Hawaii Director of Donor Services Aaron Knapp. “Thank you so much for all that you do to help save lives.”

We Need This Room
Blood Bank staff have been approached during blood drives and told to be out of the room a few hours earlier than planned because the room was needed for another meeting or function. This affects the number of pints collected and also results in disappointed donors with appointments who must be turned away.

We Can't Get In
Some blood drives begin as early as 6 a.m. to give donors an opportunity to give the gift of life before their hectic day begins. Experience has shown that when all doors are locked with no one around to open them at set up time, the drive will start late and wait times will be longer as more donors are packed into a shorter collection period.