Public urged to donate blood regularly

By Rene V. Carbayas

Tuesday 17th of July 2012

ISABELA CITY, Basilan, July 17 (PIA) -- The Isabela City Blood Mobile Team in Basilan has called on the public to be regular blood donors to save lives.

The team is composed of the Department of Health (DOH) Representative, the Isabela City Health Office and the Philippine Red Cross Basilan Chapter.

In a radio interview at the Philippine Information Agency’s radio program over DXNO-FM Radyo Komunidad de Isabela City, DOH-Rep Blood Service program coordinator Oliver Divinagracia said the World Blood Month celebration in July is observed in recognition of the unwavering support of those who are regular blood donors.

“They are considered as modern-day heroes because of the numerous lives they had saved for sharing their blood,” Divinagracia said.

He said donors are considered as one of the healthiest people because their blood undergoes several tests to determine its health.

“We honor them (blood donors) for their heroic act,” he said.

City Blood Service program coordinator and current chairman of the local Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Bernardita Hontucan said the chapter so far has only a blood collecting unit.

She said the “blood bank,” which is referred to as the refrigerator that stores blood collected unfortunately broke down due to the fluctuating electricity that Basilan has been experiencing.

“In spite of this, we continue to do bloodletting activities in different areas and we deposit them at the Basilan General Hospital,” Hontucan said. She added that the mobile city blood team conducts advocacy campaigns first before any bloodletting activities are held.

She said the mobile was able to collect only 297 blood units with 400 cc each bag last 2011. Hontucan said half of it was given to the Basilan General Hospital (BGH) and the other to the PRC.

She noted that blood samples collected from donors are sent to Zamboanga for blood testing to ensure that the blood is safe and healthy.

Hontucan said the blood collected for the past year is not enough that is why they are intensifying their campaign to encourage more and more people to donate blood in Basilan.

DOH-Representative for Isabela City Dr. Paysal Kasim said that human blood for transfusion is the only form of treatment that cannot be manufactured. It is only possible if blood from generous donors is available.

Potential blood donors must meet the following basic requirements: at least 110 lbs (50 kgs), pulse rate between 60 and 100 beats/minute with regular rhythm, blood pressure between 90 and160 systolic and 60 and 100 diastolic, and with at least 125g/L of hemoglobin level.

The World Blood Month observance is an annual advocacy program of government’s health department to draw awareness in the effort to increase potential regular blood donors. (JPA/RVC-PIA9, ZBST)