BONTOC, Mountain Province – The bloodletting in celebration of World Blood Donor Day on June 21 produced 37 units of blood from 47 individuals.
A total of 16,650cc of blood were collected during the event, including four units of Type AB, six units of Type A, 13 units of Type B, and 14 units of Type O, which were turned over to the Philippine Red Cross-Mountain Province.
The bloodletting was initiated by the local government unit through the Municipal Health Office (MHO) in collaboration with Philippine Red Cross, and the Bontoc General Hospital (BoGH).
It is in line with the objective of the World Blood Donor Day, which is to highlight the need for committed, year-round blood donation to maintain adequate supply and achieve universal and timely access to safe blood transfusion as well as to recognize and promote the values of voluntary blood donation in enhancing community solidarity and social cohesion.
Municipal Health Officer Diga Kay Gomez thanked the donors and concerned offices and expressed hopes that similar activities will be conducted to sustain the demand of blood in the municipality.
Medical Technologist II Cecilia Stella Matiw of the MHO said the blood collected will be used for patients undergoing dialysis or major surgeries and other medical emergencies.
She said the blood will be screened for blood-borne diseases such as hepatitis, human immunodeficiency virus, malaria, and others.
Mayor Franklin Odsey also thanked the blood donors and personnel from MHO, Red Cross, and BoGH for their participation.
“Maintaining a regular supply of blood in our facilities is essential to ensure that safe and adequate blood supply is readily available for those who may need it. Thus, I thank all the volunteers who have unselfishly donated their blood in order to help save a life,” he added.
The Genesis 2822 Group of ERJ7 Coadjuster Services donated 100 umbrellas that were distributed as a token to the donors. – Christy Mae F. Che-es
