BONTOC, Mountain Province – Health and elective officials in this capital are encouraging the public to donate blood to save the lives of those who need it during critical times.
As part of the lined-up activities in celebration of Bontoc’s 113th Founding Anniversary on September 16, 2021, the Bontoc Local Government Unit (LGU) will spearhead a bloodletting drive on August 12, 2021, at the Bontoc Municipal Capitol.
This is also in response to the observation that in many cases, there is a shortage of blood supply for patients.
Odsey emphasized that there is a need to maintain a safe, quality, and accessible blood supply for those who need it.
He remarked that while the focus of the government is on the management of COVID-19, it is proper to acknowledge that some illnesses require a blood transfusion. With this, the Bontoc LGU has step-up its bloodletting drive.
“Giving blood is giving the most precious gift to another person. The gift that will extend the life of the sick. The blood which you will donate shall be of great help to those who need it,” the mayor added.
According to the website of the Department of Health – Cordillera Administrative Region (DOH-CAR), donating or giving blood has its health benefits. Accordingly, it reduces the risk of heart and liver diseases, lowers the risk of cancer, develops new blood cells, maintains body weight, lowers cholesterol levels, and improves mental well-being.
It was also stipulated in the website of the DOH, under its National Voluntary Blood Services Program (NVBSP) that actual blood extraction takes five to 10 minutes, but the entire donation process, from registration to post-donation, takes about one hour.
When a donor donates blood, approximately one pint or 450 to 500 milliliters is collected. For a platelet donation, the amount collected depends on the donor’s height, weight, and platelet count if collected through Apheresis or about 50 to 70 milliliters for random donor platelet concentrate.
After donating blood, the volume of fluids will adjust within a few hours from the donation. The red blood cells will be replaced within a few weeks, while platelets and plasma replenishes more quickly.
The DOH, however, warned that individuals who have the following conditions are not allowed to donate blood: cancer, cardiac disease, severe lung disease, Hepatitis B and C, HIV infection, Aids, STD, unexplained weight loss of more than 5 kg over six months, and chronic alcoholism.