Blood drive exceeds goal at UH Hilo

The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo has proclaimed the annual Blood Bank of Hawaiʻi Blood Drive held November 23, 2009 at the Campus Center an “overwhelming success.” Organizers say donors contributed 129 pints of blood, which has the potential to save 387 lives. The final tally exceeded the goal of 125 pints and included 47 pints that came from first-time donors.

“As a baseball coach I can honestly say this was a total team effort as our university ohana and the community-at-large responded in this time of need,” said event co-coordinator Joey Estrella. “Our student athletes along with students from the College of Pharmacy did such an outstanding job in soliciting donors that all of our appointment times were booked days before the event.”

University staff also handled all the logistical arrangements, including reserving facilities, arranging parking and security, providing food and refreshments and contacting donors to remind them of their appointments.

“There is just no way that you can plan and execute an important event like this without a lot of behind the scenes support,” said co-coordinator Tommy Hamilton. “Joey and I want to thank all the members of the university community who made this event such a big success as well as all the individuals who generously gave the gift of life.”

The next blood drive on campus will be held on January 19, 2010 and will be coordinated by the College of Pharmacy. To make an appointment, contact the Blood Bank of Hawaiʻi toll free at 1-800-372-9966.