The Maui News

The Blood Bank of Hawaii will hold a three-day drive on Maui this week to continue its “Fight COVID with COVID” campaign, giving local donors the opportunity to contribute to the state’s blood and COVID-19 convalescent plasma supply.

The blood drive will take place at the Cameron Center in Wailuku from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday and 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday. Appointments are required.

The blood bank hopes to increase plasma donations and help treat Hawaii’s hospitalized COVID-19 patients, according to a news release. In preparation for a future surge or highly transmissible strain of the virus, the blood bank wants to collect as many doses as possible until a vaccine is more widely distributed.

“We look forward to working with our Maui donors once again,” said Todd Lewis, Chief Operating Officer of Blood Bank of Hawaii. “Additionally, we hope that those who have recovered from COVID-19 will consider donating their plasma to help others.”

The goal is to secure 120 appointments per day of all blood types. Each donation can save up to three lives, according to the blood bank.

Healthy donors interested in giving blood on Maui can register at bbh.org or call (808) 848-4770.

Maui residents who tested positive for COVID-19 and have fully recovered can donate plasma by calling (808) 848-4706 or emailing covidplasma@bbh.org to register for an appointment.

For more information about donating plasma, visit BBH.org/FightCovid.

For more information about operations during COVID-19, visit bbh.org/COVID-19 or follow the organization on social media at @BloodBankHawaii.