Blood Bank of Hawaii asks for donations as summer season ramps up

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – The Blood Bank of Hawaii said it needs more donors as the summer season starts ramping up.

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On Saturday, the nonprofit celebrated World Blood Donor Day early with a special donation drive in Waikele.

Organizers said the drive had over 130 donors across Oahu donation sites.

But after donating some of Hawaii’s blood supply to Texas after a fatal shooting on Friday, the blood bank said they need blood in anticipation of the Fourth of July and in case of any major accidents.

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“Because we’ve sent blood to the mainland, our cupboards are a little bit more bare, and we’re asking the community to come forward and to replenish our blood supply so that there’s enough blood for those of us that need it at home,” said Dr. Kim-Anh Nguyen, president and CEO of the Blood Bank of Hawaii.

Every year, blood donations slow down around this time because there are no longer any blood drives at high schools and colleges throughout the summer.

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Donations and appointments can be done online here.

The blood bank centers are open every day.