BLOOD BANK TO HONOR MAUI’S TOP BLOOD DONORS

The Blood Bank of Hawaii will honor about 150 of the agency’s most loyal donors on Friday, in conjunction with blood donor recognition month.  Cancer survivor and Sen. Roz Baker of West Maui is among the guest speakers scheduled for the luncheon set for 11:45 a.m. Friday at the Dunes at Maui Lani Golf Course. 

The event will honor the Blood Bank’s most loyal donors who have given at least 56 pints (Super Donors) and 100 pints (Century Donors) of blood. Because donors can give seven times per year at most, our Super Donors have supported the Blood Bank for 8 years and more, and the Century Donors for 15 years and more.

This year’s theme is “Rings of Life” and the Blood Bank is using the five Olympic rings to symbolize the five integral links that play a vital role in saving lives. The links are 1) blood donor, 2) doctor, 3) family, 4) friends, and 5) Blood Bank staff.

Featured speakers will include:

• Senator Roz Baker, a cancer survivor, who will share her thoughts on how blood donations have impacted the lives of patients and their families.
• A special video message from Keala O’Sullivan Watson, 1968 Olympic bronze medalist in women’s springboard diving, and Kevin Asano, 1988 Olympic silver medal winner in judo.
• Stan Zitnik, executive assistant to Mayor Charmaine Tavares, who will present a proclamation for January as Blood Donor Recognition Month for Maui County.

The Blood Bank will also recognize some of the top whole blood donors, Lifesavers Club coordinators and Blood Bank volunteers.

In keeping with the “Rings” theme, a juggler will end the program with a ring juggling routine.

The Blood Bank of Hawaii is a non-profit organization that provides blood to civilian hospitals throughout the state. There is no substitute for blood and everyday, Hawaii’s patients count on a healthy blood supply 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 three people.  

The basic requirements to be a blood donor are:  

• Be in good health
• Be 18 years of age or older
• Weigh 110 pounds or more
• Bring a valid photo ID

The Blood Bank of Hawaii visits the neighbor islands about every eight weeks to coincide with donor eligibility.

The next Maui visits are scheduled for February 18, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Baldwin High School multipurpose room; February 19, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Cameron Center auditorium; and February 20, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Cameron Center auditorium.

The Blood Bank especially needs donors during the winter months when holiday activities, vacation plans, and the cold and flu season impact donations.

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 1-800-372-9966.

(Posted by Wendy Osher:  Tuesday, January 13, 2009)