Palawan blood donation campaign yields 25 gallons of safe blood -- DOH

• Source:http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=1&rid=908866
• Saturday, July 30, 2016

By Lailani Samonte Junio [(PNA), JFM/LSJ]

MANILA, July 30 (PNA) -- The Department of Health – MIMAROPA together with the Philippine Red Cross–Palawan Chapter and ABS-CBN Palawan said that they had collected a total of 25 gallons of safe and quality blood during a voluntary blood donation activity held Friday at the New City Commercial Corporation (NCCC) Mall in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.

MIMAROPA refers to Region IV-B composed of provinces of Mindoro (Oriental and Occidental), Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan.

“Blood is a constant need, thus donations are equally important to supply the daily demand of hospitals and clinics in the region. Not only that it is a humanitarian act but is also save lives,” said Regional Director Eduardo C. Janairo.

As a life saver, the blood is used when there is a need to transfer blood for some patients during accidents, excessive loss of blood for those who gave birth, and other suffering from conditions requiring blood transfusion.

When a person donates a blood he/she creates a connection to other people’s lives and doing a heroic act because the blood that he/she gives in the process serve as an instrument to save a life.

Director Janairo said that a regular contribution is essential for an adequate, safe and healthy blood supply to fulfill the needs of patients needing blood transfusions.

He said that there were a total 209 successful blood donors who donated with a total of 94,050 cc of blood.

The unsuccessful donors were those were deferred due to low hemoglobin counts and other conditions.

A person can donate at least 450cc of blood.

The collected blood will be turned over to the Palawan Provincial Blood Center for proper storage and distribution.

In support of the event, DOH-MIMAROPA provided 88 boxes of vacutainer tube used for blood collection.

According to Janairo, a simultaneous blood donation campaign is also being done in other provinces of the region to further increase its blood supply.

“I commend the organizers and the support of the people of Palawan for a successful campaign,” he said.

He assured that blood donation is safe.

“It poses no threat to the body and it reduces the risks of having cardiovascular diseases,” he said.

The DOH celebrates Blood Donation Month every month of July as stated by Republic Act No. 7719, also known as the National Blood Services Act of 1994 which promotes voluntary blood donation to provide sufficient supply of safe blood and to regulate blood banks.