Following reports of Baguio hospitals’ dwindling blood supplies, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) will send additional blood bags to the city as it calls on more members of the public to donate blood.

The PRC national headquarters in Mandaluyong will initially send 20 units of blood, through the PRC Baguio Chapter, and will send more in the coming days as needed.

“Rest assured, blood is always available at the Red Cross, and our blood drives help us maintain a steady blood supply. However, the rise in dengue cases which have increased required blood transfusions entails an urgent need to pool more people together to ensure our blood stocks will not be easily depleted,” said PRC Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon.

“We encourage everyone to seize this opportunity to help our fellow kababayans in their hour of need. Your blood will not just help dengue fever patients, but also patients with leukemia, cancer, and those undergoing dialysis. When we give blood, we give hope. Help us save lives,” he added.

“The Red Cross is staying true to its promise that every person in this country, no matter the time or place, can avail of blood. Our Blood Bank in Baguio has a capacity of 600 blood units. We are exerting all our efforts to help augment blood supplies in hospitals. People’s survival and well-being are our utmost priority,” added PRC Secretary General Dr. Gwen Pang.

The PRC Baguio Chapter is in continuous coordination with the local government of Baguio City to assist in blood donations.

It is actively communicating with the Blood services unit of the PRC national headquarters for support in augmenting platelet concentrates. The Chapter is also continuing blood drives and activities, alongside text brigades and donor recall.

The PRC Baguio Chapter, located at Harrison Road, Baguio City, is open daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. for walk-in blood donors. The Chapter can be contacted at 09088852707.

Interested blood donors can also go to PRC Benguet Chapter, located at BeGH Compound, Km.5, La Trinidad, for walk-in blood donations from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. It can be reached through mobile or landline (074- 422- 2796; 09104117713) for concerns or inquiries.