For the first time since January, the Blood Bank of Hawaii is returning to Kona.
They’ll be collecting donations three days next week, starting on Tuesday, Oct. 20. Donations will take place at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Kona Cultural Hall, located at 75-230 Kalani Street in Kailua-Kona on Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Thursday from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. All walk-in donations have been suspended, so donors are asked to register in advance and make appointments to allow for social distancing. Those interested in giving blood next week can register at bbh.org or call 808-848-4770.
“This drive will be hugely beneficial for Blood Bank of Hawaii because it will help to stabilize our local inventory of different blood types,” said Todd Lewis, BBH’s chief operating officer. “We used to be able to operate two neighbor island drives per month, and we had to take a long hiatus. Now we are returning with just one drive per month on a rotational basis, but even that is not guaranteed.”
Safety is a primary concern to keep both donors and staff safe. BBH has enacted new protocols and procedures, following FDA, CDC and DOH recommendations throughout the three-day event.
“The drive may feel different than in the past to returning Kona donors, starting with a pre-check prior to going into the donor area,” said Lewis. “We have implemented increased and ongoing sanitation and disinfection of tools, equipment and donor-contact materials. BBH staff will use proper PPE and a mask or face covering is required for all donors. All Oahu staff who will be in Kona will undergo COVID-19 pre-testing before leaving and are subject to rigorous health-related staff protocols while there.”
Both blood and COVID-19 Convalescent Plasma will be collected; potential donors for the COVID-19 Convalescent Plasma must be able to provide a lab-confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis in advance and be symptom free for at least 28 days. The total goal set by BBH is 140 appointments per day, with O-Positive and O-Negative blood at the most immediate and high need.
“All blood types are needed, but we have had instances of our O-blood type inventory going down to a one-day supply in past months,” said Lewis. “If there are eligible COVID-19 Convalescent Plasma donors who would like to donate their plasma, we will work with them to facilitate donation or plan for a future opportunity in Hawaii County.”
Those interested in learning more about donating COVID-19 Convalescent Plasma can contact BBH’s team by email at covidplasma@bbh.org or by phone at 808-848-4706. BBH’s leadership made a special point to highlight the organization’s past successful drives in Kona and hopes that success will continue.
“We are so appreciative of the support and enthusiasm that Hawaii Island donors have expressed about our return, and Kona, holding the state’s record for the single largest blood drive, is filled with incredibly dedicated donors,” said Lewis. “We appreciate everyone’s patience and look forward to a successful drive.”
