The Department of Health – MIMAROPA (Oriental/Occidental Mindoro, Marinduque Romblon, Palawan) together with the Philippine Red Cross – Palawan Chapter and ABS-CBN Palawan yesterday collected a total of 25 gallons of safe and quality blood during a voluntary blood donation activity held at the New City Commercial Corporation (NCCC) Mall in Puerto Princesa City, 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,” Regional Director Eduardo C. Janairo stated.“A regular contribution is essential for an adequate, safe and healthy blood supply to fulfill the needs of patients needing blood transfusions,” Janairo added.
There were 209 successful blood donations who donated with a total of 94,050cc of blood. A person can donate at least 450cc of blood. There were 31 donors who were deferred, 23 were due to low hemoglobin and 5 were caused by unsuccessful bleeding. 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. Blood donation is safe. It poses no threat to the body and it reduces the risks of having cardiovascular diseases,” he assured.
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.
