BONTOC, Mountain Province – In celebration of World Blood Donor Day (WBDD) on June 14, 2022, the public is encouraged to donate blood to save the lives of those who need it during critical times.
In relation to the celebration, the Bontoc Local Government Unit (LGU) through the Municipal Health Office (MHO) in collaboration with the Philippine Red Cross- Mountain Province Chapter will spearhead the bloodletting activity in the capital town on June 21, 2022, at the Bontoc Municipal Capitol.
Bontoc Mayor Franklin Odsey in his Memorandum Order No. 17-2022, enjoined the public to participate in the activity and donate blood.
He remarked that the bloodletting drive aims to ensure the availability of safe, quality, and accessible blood supply for those who need it, especially those who are undergoing confinement, dialysis, and other emergencies.
The mayor mentioned that yearly reports received by his office from health facilities show that the Bontoc constituents are the primary users of blood from hospitals within Mountain Province, thus, it is proper to take part in the bloodletting activity to replenish the blood used.
“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,” Odsey 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 on 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 replenish 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.
The WBDD is celebrated every year to raise awareness of the importance of blood donation and to recognize the contribution of voluntary unpaid blood donors in saving lives and improving health.
