In an effort to extend healthcare services to the most vulnerable sectors and communities in need, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Health Caravan provided free medical assistance to 27,842 people from January to May of 2023, across the country.
The Health Caravan program is a comprehensive range of services, such as health consultation, dental and optometry service, health and hygiene promotion, first aid lecture-demonstration, vaccination against measles, rubella, polio, and COVID-19, as well as bloodletting and blood typing service. Vitamins, over the counter medicines, hot meals and health kits are also distributed.
PRC Chairman Richard J. Gordon stated, “The Philippine Red Cross is dedicated to making a positive impact on the health and well-being of our communities. Our Health Caravan demonstrates our commitment to providing vital medical services to those who need it most.”
“We are proud to have reached over 27,000 individuals through our Health Caravan in just the first five months of this year. The provision of essential healthcare services and the distribution of meals and health kits showcases our commitment to improving the lives of the most vulnerable in our society,” PRC Secretary General Dr. Gwendolyn T. Pang added.
The Philippine Red Cross continues to make a significant difference in the lives of thousands of individuals, promoting better health and well-being across communities.
The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) achieved a remarkable 100% passing rate in the 2022 External Quality Assessment Scheme (EQAS), conducted by the Transfusion Transmissible Infections-National Reference Laboratory (TTI-NRL) of the Research Institute of Tropical Medicine (RITM). This outstanding accomplishment underscores the PRC’s commitment to provide the highest quality blood and blood products to the communities it serves.
An EQAS evaluates participating laboratories based on the integrity of the entire sample testing process, ensuring accuracy and reliability of results. The PRC’s 30 Blood Centers have each been awarded Certificates of Proficiency, attesting to their exceptional performance and adherence to quality standards.
PRC Chairman Richard J. Gordon congratulated the PRC staff and volunteers at the blood centers, stating, “We are immensely proud of our 30 Blood Centers for their exemplary achievement in the 2022 EQAS evaluation. This accomplishment reinforces our dedication to delivering the best possible care to our blood recipients.”
PRC Secretary General Dr. Gwendolyn Pang also commended the achievement, saying, “The 100% passing rate in the EQAS is a testament to the hard work and commitment of our staff. It highlights the rigorous standards we uphold in providing safe and reliable blood transfusion services. Congratulations to all involved.”
The Philippine Red Cross remains steadfast in its commitment to maintain the highest standards in laboratory testing. By consistently observing best practices, the PRC ensures the safety and well-being of those who depend on their services.
Bacolod City, Negros Occidental – On May 29, 2023, a smoke inhalation incident occurred during a Physical Education Examination at Bacolod City College, prompting a swift response from the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Bacolod City – Negros Occidental Chapter and other local rescue agencies. The incident occurred around 4:00 PM and was caused by a chemical brought by a class of students for an experiment, resulting in chemical poisoning as reported by the school doctor. A total of 22 individuals were affected by the smoke inhalation and chemical exposure.
“Emergencies like the smoke inhalation incident at Bacolod City College remind us of the importance of preparedness and swift action. PRC is dedicated to providing immediate assistance in such situations, and I commend our team in Bacolod City who responded promptly to ensure the well-being of those affected. We remain committed to our mission of saving lives and serving the community in times of need,” said PRC Chairman Richard J. Gordon.
PRC’s response included dispatching one ambulance with four emergency medical services personnel to provide immediate medical assistance. The medical team treated 14 individuals on the scene who were experiencing symptoms such as hyperventilation and dizziness, stemming from the chemical exposure.
The PRC encourages the public to prioritize safety and adhere to proper protocols when handling chemicals or engaging in experiments to prevent similar incidents in the future.
As of 3:00 PM on May 30, 2023, various Philippine Red Cross chapters across the nation has reported light to moderate rains including La, Union, Baguio, and Cagayan. Currently, preemptive evacuations are in effect in some areas of Cagayan and Ilocos Norte. Check out these photos to see our preparedness efforts for potential hazards like landslides, thunderstorms, and flooding.
Stay informed, follow our official page and accounts for more updates on Typhoon Betty (Mawar). Our chapters across the nation are monitoring the situation closely.
Residents of Barangay Muzon San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan came to participate in the second bloodletting activity of the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) and RMN Foundation last 22 May. Dubbed “Dugtong-Buhay 2023 Caravan” the blood donation drive collected a total of 78 blood units.
Earlier this year, the two organizations conducted similar activities in General Santos City and Cavite City. The co-organized blood donation activities are a testament to the PRC and RMN Foundation’s commitment to serving the public together; a commitment which they strengthened and renewed through a Memorandum of Understanding last March.
Rowena Bolivar, a consistent donor, shared her experience of how a single bag of blood saved the life of her aunt, a breast cancer patient. A unit of blood can save the lives of multiple people. According to PRC Blood Services, red cells, platelets, and plasma are among the transfusable components that can be derived from donated blood. Patients may receive a pint of whole blood or only the specific components of the blood that are required to treat their particular condition.
Apart from assisting PRC in disseminating information about its rescue, relief, and recovery activities and programs, PRC Chairman and CEO, Richard J. Gordon expressed gratitude to RMN for continuously helping the humanitarian organization raise awareness about the global need for safe blood.
PRC Secretary General Dr. Gwen Pang also extended greetings and appreciation to those who willingly showed compassion and selflessness by donating blood to save lives.
For blood donations, blood requests, and other inquiries, email the PRC National Blood Services at [email protected] or contact the PRC Blood Call Center, which may be reached nationwide by dialing 143.
🚑💙 Bringing Medical Care to Communities: An initiative of Philippine Red Cross Chairman Richard J. Gordon, the PRC Health Caravan has provided free medical services to thousands of individuals across the nation from January to May.
This week, our dedicated volunteers and staff from PRC chapters in Bohol, Cavite, Baguio, and Ilocos offered health consultations, vaccinations, bloodletting, and more. “The PRC Health Caravan remains committed to extending healthcare services to every corner of the nation,” says PRC Secretary General Dr. Gwen Pang.
🏥✨ PRC’s Health Caravan also promoted health and hygiene practices, conducted first aid lectures, and distributed hot meals and health kits. Through these efforts, PRC hopes to make a positive impact on the lives of thousands, building healthier and stronger communities! 💙🌍
The actual signing of the memorandum of agreement for the turnover of the Rotary’s 270 donated wheelchairs to the PRC happened last 25 May, 2023 at the PRC National Headquarters in Mandaluyong.
The donated wheelchairs will be distributed to numerous people with mobility impairments in the country to help them cope with their health conditions. The beneficiaries will be identified and assessed by the PRC and Rotary Club members.
“I would like to extend my gratitude and appreciation to the Rotary for giving us 270 wheelchairs to be distributed for our beneficiaries around the country. Malaking tulong ito upang bigyan sila ng saya at pag-asa sa buhay. The MOA signing between the two organizations today proves that we remain their partner of choice. Just like the Rotary’s mission to create lasting change in the world, the PRC is also committed to make this world a better place for all,” said PRC Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon.
PRC’s Secretary General, Dr. Gwen Pang, also expressed her gratitude to the Rotary, “Being a member of the Rotary Club of Manila 101 and PRC’s current Secretary General, I’m so proud and elated to be able to witness the strengthened partnership between my two beloved organizations. Maraming salamat, Rotary sa pagsuporta sa Philippine Red Cross noon at ngayon.”
The Rotary is a network of 1.4 million passionate people from around the world aiming to use their skills, energy, and intelligence to take action in various sustainable projects. Since 2006, the Rotary has been able to provide various assistance to the PRC and its chapters: monetary assistance for typhoon survivors, vehicle donations used for crisis situations, emergency equipment, and blood donation campaigns, to name a few.
“One of the most courageous acts is self-identification, where you acknowledge your true self, comprehend your core beliefs, and envision the path you want to pursue. In the Red Cross Youth, we empower future leaders. I encourage Red Cross volunteers to always make our presence felt positively. It’s not enough that we do something; we must do things with a positive impact.
I salute Rojan, Jeslan and Nicole, and I am proud of them because as Red Cross Youth they have shown self worth and self confidence and it helped them get to PMA, where they excelled and became the true leaders we have always known them to be.”
These extraordinary individuals have demonstrated unwavering dedication and determination as members of the Red Cross Youth. Their commitment has paved the way for their success at the PMA, where they have excelled and emerged as the true leaders we have always known them to be.
As Red Cross volunteers, you have the power to make a positive impact on the lives of others. It’s not just about doing something; it’s about ensuring that our presence is felt in a way that uplifts and inspires those around us. Be part of the Red Cross Youth and be part of an environment where future leaders can thrive. Email [email protected] today to know more!
The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Lapu-Lapu/Cordova Chapter recently provided free ambulance transport service to a 47-year-old male patient who sustained injuries in a motorcycle accident. The incident occurred last may 22, on the remote island of Olanggo, located approximately 20 minutes away from the Lapu-Lapu mainland by sea.
The patient, who suffered a head injury resulting in dizziness and swelling, required immediate medical attention, including a crucial CT scan. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, PRC swiftly organized a transportation plan, in coordination with Lapu-Lapu City Rescue, to ensure the patient’s safe transfer to the Lifestream Diagnostic Clinic, where the necessary diagnostic procedure could be performed.
In the words of PRC Chairman Richard J. Gordon, “Our primary objective is to provide swift and effective assistance to those in need, regardless of their circumstances. We are proud to have been able to extend our free ambulance transport service to this injured patient, ensuring that he received the necessary medical attention. It is through the collective efforts of our dedicated volunteers and the support of our generous donors that we are able to make a tangible impact on people’s lives. This incident exemplifies our commitment to serving humanity and underscores the importance of accessible healthcare for all.”
PRC’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) volunteers transported the indigent patient from Olanggo to the mainland, and subsequently to the Lifestream Diagnostic Clinic, ensuring timely access to the required medical facilities.
The ambulance transport service provided free by PRC is a showcase of its commitment to service.
Yesterday, May 23, 2023, the Philippine Red Cross distributed Hygiene Kits to 714 fire-affected families in Cavite City’s Barangay 22A, 22M, and 28, at Ladislao Diwa Elementary School. Thank you to our incredible volunteers and partners for their support! Together, we’re making a difference. 💙🌟 #PhilippineRedCross #HygieneKitsDistribution #SupportingFireVictims #CommunityMatters
Born officially in 1947, but with roots that traces back to the revolutionary days, the Philippine Red Cross has truly become the premier humanitarian organization in the country, committed to provide quality life-saving services that protect the life and dignity especially of indigent Filipinos in vulnerable situations.
