Hilo blood drive begins today to refill island blood supply

The Blood Bank of Hawai‘i begins a three-day community blood drive in Hilo today, running Jan. 13 through Jan. 15 at 1373 Kīlauea Ave. The drive aims to replenish supplies that typically fall after the holiday season and to reduce the county’s reliance on mainland imports when local inventory runs low.

Hours are Jan. 13 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Jan. 14 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Jan. 15 from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Organizers are asking island donors to make appointments to keep the donation process moving smoothly and to minimize wait times during the three-day effort.

The campaign highlights an urgent need for O-negative donations. O-negative blood is often in short supply because it can be given to patients of any blood type in emergency situations. Maintaining a local stock of universal-donor units is especially important for Big Island hospitals and clinics when transfers from other islands or the mainland are delayed by weather or flight logistics.

Local blood drives like this one form the backbone of the islands’ emergency response capacity. When community donors step up, fewer shipments need to be flown in from off-island, lowering costs and shortening the time between donor collection and hospital use. For rural and neighbor island medical centers, that time can be crucial.

Residents who plan to donate should check the Blood Bank of Hawai‘i website or contact their local office for appointment details and any eligibility advisories before heading to the drive. Bring a photo ID and plan for a brief health screening when you arrive. If you recently traveled, took certain medications, or had vaccinations, review eligibility guidance ahead of time to avoid unnecessary trips. Donors typically should hydrate and have eaten within a few hours before donation to help prevent lightheadedness.

This drive is a local solution with statewide impact: every unit collected in Hilo can serve patients across Hawai‘i. The takeaway? If you’re eligible and able, book a slot, bring ID, and give a little time to help keep our island bloodline strong. Our two cents? Treat it like a neighborhood service—your 30 to 60 minutes could be the difference for someone close to home.