Hawaii Blood Bank: Everyone Gives for Their Own Reason
John Whitty
February 13, 2010
Filed under News, Top Stories
Everybody has it, everybody needs it, and there is no substitute for it. Hawaii needs your help and your blood! The Hawaii Blood Bank has been coming to LJA for the past five years and returns for its sixth year on Friday, February 19th, from 9:00 am – 3:15 pm.
To be able to give blood you must be 17 with a parent’s approval or be 18. You must be at least 110 lbs., be in good health, and have waited 8 weeks since your last donation. If you are already donating be sure to have a good night’s rest, have a good breakfast, bring a picture ID, and have the signed consent form if you are 17. During your donation you will have a mini-physical, and a confidential interview to determine if you are a suitable donor. The donation takes 5-8 minutes and afterward there is a refreshment area where you can receive food and drinks. After the donation it is recommended that you drink a lot of fluids and eat a good dinner, wear the bandage for at least 4 hours, avoid heavy lifting and pushing for at least 12 hours, and refrain from smoking for 30 minutes after donation.
Fred Weisberger has been the Blood Drive Coordinator for the past two years and giving blood holds a special place in his heart. When he was younger his brother was hit by a car and nearly died because of a loss of blood. Ever since then, Mr. Weisberger’s family has been involved in giving blood. Mr. Weisberger himself didn’t start giving blood until he came to LJA. His reasoning for it, “I was too chicken until I came to LJA.”
Every year the goal for more blood has kept rising. This year the goal is 56 sign ups, 40 pints of blood, and 15 newcomers. So far there have been 51 signups. It looks like the drive will be able to make their goal, but they still need your help. It doesn’t have to be giving blood; you can volunteer or even get some of your family to donate. Remember, it’s safe, it’s simple, it saves lives.