The Department of Health is celebrating the annual National Blood Donor Month this July in cooperation with the World Health Organization. The two health agencies are urging the public to help in donating blood.
Having been exposed in the hospital for several years now, I saw how a bag of blood can help save a life. In every blood donation, you can save 3 to 4 patients who are in dire need of blood products.
Who can donate blood?
Anyone can donate so long as they have these criteria:
- Aged 16 to 65 years old
- Weight of not less than 110 lbs or 50 kg
- Pulse rate of 60 to 100 beats per minute and of regular rhythm
- Blood pressure between 90 to 160 systolic and 60-100 diastolic
- Hemoglobin of not less than 125 g/L
- In good general health
What are the benefits of blood donation?
Blood donation is voluntary and can be done once every 3 months. It can benefit the donor by increasing his/her resistance. It helps to have good blood circulation and production of new red blood cells. Further, it lowers the risk of cancer and heart diseases.
Where can you go to donate blood?
You can go to the nearest blood service facilities (BSF) in hospitals and non-government organizations (NGO), local government units (LGU), Philippine Red Cross (PNRC), at Philippine Blood Center (PBC).
For queries regarding blood donation, you may contact the Philippine Blood Center, Quezon Avenue, Quezon City. (02) 709-3792 or 709-3703, or mobile: 0943-314-2873.
