Due a seasonal drop in donations, the Blood Bank of Hawaii is asking that life-saving contributions are given this year.
The organization said it sees a 20 percent dip in donations across the state during the six weeks between Thanksgiving and the start of January.
Blood donations are critical, though. One in seven people entering any of Hawaii’s 18 hospital will need blood, the organization said. It added that one pint can save three lives, since whole blood is separated in to platelets, plasma and red blood cells.
To donate during this important time of year, the Blood Bank of Hawaii has slated five drives this month at the J. Walter Cameron Center, 95 Mahalani St., Wailuku.
The times and dates, which are subject to change, include:
• 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 16
• 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 17
• 8:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Dec. 18
• 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 19
• 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Dec. 20
Blood donors should be in good health; 18 years or older (16- and 17-year-olds may donate with signed parent/legal guardian consent); weigh 110 pounds or more; and have a photo ID with date of birth.
“Share the life-saving gift that doesn’t cost anything to give,” Blood Bank of Hawaii spokesperson Kashmira Reid said in a news release.
For more information, visit bloodbanktough.org or search for Blood Bank Hawaii on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.