WAILUKU — The Blood Bank of Hawaii invites Maui residents to donate blood at a drive at Maui Economic Opportunity.

The blood drive is set for Dec. 22-23 from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Dec. 24 from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Every day in Hawaii, hundreds of patients count on volunteer blood donors for their survival. Typical uses for the donated blood include surgical procedures, treatment of accident victims and chemotherapy patients; and mothers and newborns during delivery.

The donation process is safe and usually takes about an hour. A confidential interview and a mini-physical are administered, but the actual collection of blood takes only five to eight minutes.

In Hawaii, only 2 percent of the eligible population donates blood. More donors are always needed.

The requirements to be a blood donor are simple: be in good health, 18 years of age or older (17 with signed Blood Bank parent/legal guardian consent form), weigh 110 pounds or more and bring a valid photo ID with date of birth.

To make an appointment or get more information, visit www.bbh.org or call the Blood Bank of Hawaii toll-free at 1-800-372-9966.