3 day Blood Drive in Hilo starting TODAY 5/13

[Punatang]

There are a few appointments left. Grab one fast.


Hawai‘i’s unique island geography makes maintaining a stable blood supply even more critical. By participating in this blood drive, donors directly impact the lives of those facing medical emergencies.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, Visit the Blood Bank of Hawai‘i website or call 808-848-4745 for additional information or to schedule an appointment to donate during the upcoming Hilo blood drive.


You also can stay updated by following @bloodbankhawaii on social media.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Hilo is located at 1373 Kīlauea Ave.

https://bigislandnow.com/2025/05/12/roll...ilo-drive/

[leilanidude]

It is not the geography that hurts blood drives in Hawaii.
It is the number of drug users/abusers.
They cannot give blood.

Even the plasma collecting folks have a hard time even though they pay for the plasma donation. They test for drug use.

[Punatang]

Say nope to dope and ugh to drugs!

This blood drive is packed. They are not having any problems. There were only a couple of appointments left on my chosen day. They start early and go late so I guess there are enough of us out here that like to keep it real.

The geography comment I think is more related to the logistics of getting blood safely transported here.

If you or anyone you know is having issues with substance abuse, suicide thoughts, mental health, adolescent issues, etc. Hawaii Cares 988 is a great resource: https://hicares.hawaii.gov/

[My 2 cents]

It is not the geography that hurts blood drives in Hawaii.
It is the number of drug users/abusers.
They cannot give blood.

Even the plasma collecting folks have a hard time even though they pay for the plasma donation. They test for drug use.

What is the definition of “drug user/abuser”?  As an extreme example of what I am asking, would a person who tests positive for pot and is drug free otherwise be turned away while a person who takes a handful of legally prescribed pharmaceuticals every day is accepted?

[randomq]

Who pays for plasma here? I didn't think we had those places.

[punikahakaiferret]

Agree, RandomQ...years ago on the mainland I used to donate plasma and was interested in doing it here but couldn't find any places.

ETA: realized my tone in the last paragraph makes me sound like a self-serving jerk, sooo, I edited it out. Cuz I'm not really, at least I don't think so...but I am indeed needlephobic!

Thanks for all the good info, all!

[Punatang]

There are no paid plasma donation facilities in Hawaii. You may donate voluntarily without compensation through the Blood Bank of Hawaii.

The Blood Bank of Hawaii does not test donated blood for drugs. Drug use is addressed through the screening questionnaire and interview which probably does lead to some folks being turned away. Cannabis use is evidently OK as are most RX drugs.

Blood banks do test for infectious diseases

EMPLOYMENT at the BBH is a different story and that may cause confusion. They test for drugs.


https://www.bbh.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/COLJ047-Rev.-New-Blood-Donor-Educational-Materials-WATERMARK.pdf  

https://www.bbh.org/about-blood/

https://www.bbh.org/about/faq-contact/

https://www.redcrossblood.org/local-homepage/news/article/can-you-donate-blood-if-you-use-cannabis-.html

[kalianna]

Thanks for this info. I made my appt. before seeing your email and even then, most of the slots were filled. Go Hilo! And Leilani Dude: fake news.