DOH CL calls for voluntary blood donation

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, Nov. 24 (PIA) -- Department of Health (DOH) calls on Central Luzon residents to voluntarily donate blood amid the scarcity of supply.

DOH Center for Health Development Medical Technologist IV Maria Vivian Mallari said they hold the annual National Voluntary Blood Service Program to amass adequate safe and non-remunerated blood donations.

It engages government employees from regional line agencies to donate blood and/or advocate the promotion of voluntary blood donation.

"This blood donation program aims to urge the people to lend their hands in helping one another. If we don't donate our blood voluntarily, our facilities won't be able to provide blood to those who are in need," she said.

Mallari shared that the rise in the need of blood leads to the scarcity of its supply.

"We need blood because of surging health issues such as dengue, and leptospirosis. Those who primarily need blood are dialysis patients, or those who have existing blood conditions such as leukemia. There are also those who are having accidents or women giving birth," she stated.

DOH Regional Blood Center coordinates with Jose B. Lingad Memorial General Hospital (JBLMGH) as its partner collecting facility in Pampanga.

"Other than JBLMGH, those who want to donate could visit blood banks with facilities capable to collect blood. Some communities are also organizing voluntarily for the blood donation program," she added. (CLJD/JLDC-PIA 3)