MANILA, Philippines – Various blood banks and centers in the Philippines will be holding a blood donation drive to celebrate World Blood Donor Day on Friday, June 14.
In a press briefing on Tuesday, June 11, Philippine Red Cross chairman Richard Gordon emphasized the important role that blood donors play in the health care system. (READ: Blood donors hailed as heroes)
"I'm glad it's called Blood Donor's Day, but it should be celebrated every day. Ang naiisip natin palagi pag nangunguha tayo ng dugo ay 'yung taong binibigyan ng dugo, pero ang hindi naiintindihan ng tao ay 'yung pinanggagalingan ng dugo, 'yung mga donors (When we extract blood, we often think of the recipient, but what people overlook is the source of the blood, the donors)," Gordon said.
With the theme "Safe blood for all," the celebration of World Blood Donor Day in the Philippines aims to acknowledge people who choose to donate their blood for a good cause.
"Having safe and quality supply of blood is an integral part of universal health care, forming part of a robust and effective health system," Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said in the press briefing.
Duque emphasized the need to spread awareness of regular donation to ensure that individuals and communities have access to affordable supplies of safe and quality-assured blood.
The health chief also thanked regular blood donors, citing the importance of blood products in most medical procedures, and in instances of accidents or emergencies. (READ: VIRAL: Uber driver turned blood donor inspires netizens)
"Blood transfusion saves millions of lives every year.... In 2017, we received one million blood units, but the goal is to meet the target of 100% voluntary non-remunerated blood donation by 2020," Duque said.
Here is a list of bloodletting activities in the Philippines on Friday to celebrate World Blood Donor Day:
East Avenue Medical Center
In collaboration with the Philippine Association of Medical Technologists, East Avenue Medical Center will be having a blood donation drive at the hospital's lobby in Quezon City from 8 am to 4 pm.
San Pablo City General Hospital
Interested blood donors can also head to the San Pablo City General Hospital in Laguna, for the Red Cross-San Pablo City Chapter's blood donation activity from 8 am to 4 pm.
Sto Niño de Tacloban Parish
In Tacloban City, the Philippine Red Cross Leyte Chapter, in partnership with the Sto Niño de Tacloban Parish, will be holding a bloodletting activity at the church from 8 am to 4 pm.
Acienda Designer Outlet
The Philippine Red Cross Cavite Chapter-Dasmariñas City Branch will be giving a special token to volunteer donors who will participate in their blood donation activity from 10 am to 6 pm at the Customer Service Area of the ADO Clinic at the Acienda Designer Outlet mall in Silang, Cavite.
There will also be another blood donation activity next Thursday, June 20, at the National Youth Commission (NYC) Central Office in Metro Manila from 8 am to 5 pm. The activity will also be done as part of the NYC's 24th anniversary celebration.
– Rappler.com