Pampanga hosts Nat’l Blood Donor’s Month celeb

By Aurora Catu

Monday 9th of July 2012

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, July 9 (PIA) -- The Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Red Cross (PRC), and the provincial government of Pampanga headed today’s kick-off ceremony of the National Blood Donor’s Month at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center in San Fernando City.

Representatives of the said offices and health workers from Central Luzon were also present.

DOH regional director Dr. Leonita Gorgolon asked for the cooperation of more volunteer donors to save more lives.

PRC secretary general Gwendolyn Pang emphasized the need for “networking” to encourage and inspire more donors who will be given help as payback to volunteers. Payback will not be monetary. It can be free health education, seminars, and services she said.

“We have enough blood supply here in Pampanga. This event is held in preparation for future needs of dengue patients and other patients who might need blood donation,” Pang added.

Pampanga Governor Lilia Pineda confirmed that a blood center will be established at the Social Action Center of Pampanga (SACOP), Barangay Maimpis through the joint efforts of PRC, DOH, provincial government, and private sectors.

Members of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Army and regional health workers participated in the program.

Pineda also sponsored a bloodletting activity after the program.

“We are expecting more than 300 blood donors and same number of blood bags today,” provincial health officer Dr. Marcelo Jaochico said.

Pineda, together with PRC, DOH, municipalities of Pampanga and other attached offices’ representatives, also signed a pledge of commitment during the event. (CLJD/ATC-PIA3)