Blood Donors Save Lives
Top blood donors in Hawai`i garnered a spot in the limelight at a first-of-its-kind event recognizing the vital role they play in saving lives.
Lt. Governor Aiona praised the blood donors, each of whom gave at least 100 pints of blood. It was the first reunion between blood recipients and blood donors who unknowingly helped save their lives.
"These exemplary citizens are literally life-savers," Lt. Governor Aiona said of blood donors. "By donating at least 100 pints of blood, these top blood donors have single-handedly helped assist up to 300 lives."
During his remarks, the Lt. Governor announced he and Governor Linda Lingle proclaimed January 2008 as Blood Donor Recognition Month in Hawai`i, encouraging citizens "to help save the lives of others by donating blood."
More than 26,000 donors gave nearly 60,000 pints of blood in 2006.
The event was organized by the Blood Bank of Hawai`i, a nonprofit organization that partners with the community to provide lifesaving blood products to 11 civilian hospitals on `Oahu and eight civilian hospitals on the Neighbor Islands.
