Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Thursday, February 13, 2025 70° Today's Paper


Gift of life

CINDY ELLEN RUSSELL / CRUSSELL@STARADVERTISER.COM
Joseph Balancio relaxed Tuesday while donating blood at the Blood Bank of Hawaii in Kalihi during World Blood Donor Day.

Joseph Balancio spent part of Tuesday afternoon at the Blood Bank of Hawaii in Kalihi donating a pint of his O-positive blood. It was his fourth time donating blood.

"I have a friend who needs constant blood transfusions, and my mom encouraged me to donate because she cannot for medical reasons," said Balancio, a 25-year-old Nuuanu resident.

TO DONATE

» To make an appointment to donate blood, call 845-9966 or go to www.bbh.org.
» Donors must be 18 or older (17 with signed parental consent), at least 110 pounds, in good health and with a valid photo ID.

Balancio is the type of young donor the Blood Bank is trying to recruit, said spokeswoman Maura Dolormente, noting that it takes four times for most people to become regular donors. "We need to find the next generation of loyal donors, and (Balancio) is a great example of that," she said.

Tuesday marked World Blood Donor Day. It also was an opportunity for the Blood Bank to remind the public that the need for donors is greater in the summer months.

"The summer months bring a slight dip in donors because everyone is busy working or enjoying their summer vacation," Dolormente said. Two hundred blood donors are needed every day in Hawaii, officials said.

Dr. Randal Covin, associate medical director for the Blood Bank, said there is always a need for new donors.

"People should be aware of the need for donating," he said. "It’s quick and easy, takes less than an hour and can save up to three lives."

Donated blood is typically used to treat cancer patients, for surgery including accident and trauma victims, and other medical procedures, Covin said.

The walls of the Dillingham Donor Center are lined with photos of blood donors who have given 56 pints or more.

"Those who donate blood can give once every eight weeks, so donors who have given over 200 pints have done so for over 30 years," Dolormente said.

Volunteers from the Special Education Center of Hawaii gave lei Tuesday to donors at the Dillingham center. The SECOH volunteers handcrafted 200 yarn lei.

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