Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Chairman and CEO Richard J. Gordon underscored the need for enough blood supply as the premier humanitarian organization responded to people in need of emergency medical care in earthquake-hit Abra. The PRC sufficiently met the blood supply needs of casualties immediately after the impact of the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that hit Northern Luzon on July 27.
Chairman Gordon said that the foremost humanitarian organization in the country has enough blood supply for the needs of Abra, Ilocos Sur, and other areas affected by the quake. He added that Abra and Ilocos are major suppliers of blood. Chairman Gordon also assured the public that, “The PRC’s 102 blood service facilities nationwide are ready to assist in case of need.”
PRC reminded those who wish to donate blood of the qualifications: (1) Must be 16 to 65 years old, (2) Those who are 16 to 17 years old must have a written consent from a parent or guardian, (3) Must weigh at least 50 kilograms or 110 pounds, (4) Must have at least 5 hours of sleep the night before, (5) Must have no alcohol intake in the last 24 hours, and (6) Must have eaten before donating but without fatty food intake.
Female donors who have their monthly period may still donate blood, provided they pass the standard screening. A qualified person may donate blood every three months.
To request blood from the PRC, a hospital or doctor’s request must be presented. The PRC also delivers blood to decrease the transport expenses of those in need; they must send the blood request through Viber and submit the original to the person delivering the blood.
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.
Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Chairman and CEO Senator Dick Gordon led the inauguration of PRC Pangasinan-San Carlos City branch, complete with a blood service facility, PRC’s 100th such facility. The branch was built with support from San Carlos City Mayor Julier “Ayoy” Resuello and Pangasinan Third District Representative Rose Marie “Baby” Arenas, whom Chairman Gordon recognized in his address. This collaboration was made possible through the efforts of Ma. Rachel J. Arenas, a member of the Philippine Red Cross Board of Governors.
Chairman Gordon emphasized that blood saves lives, and has always encouraged blood donations. As the number one advocate of voluntary, non-remunerated blood donation in the country, Gordon explained that donating blood is a form of volunteerism.
Gordon recalls that the first blood service facility in the Philippines was that of the PRC. Today, PRC accounts for 51% of the country’s blood requirements. From January 1 to April 7, 2022, the PRC blood service facilities served 51,458 patients, dispensing 93,694 units of blood.
Gordon also recalled the long partnership of the PRC and the province of Pangasinan, both in responding to emergencies — such as the July 16, 1990 earthquake — and in preparing for disasters.
From January 1 to March 21, 2022 alone, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) National Blood Services has served more than 40,000 patients. It collected 36,086 units from 49,033 donors and dispensed 75,496 blood units for the same period.
Just how important is a blood bank to a country? If you or a loved one has ever needed a blood transfusion, you know how important it is. Blood transfusions save lives. According to the World Health Organization, providing safe and adequate blood should be an integral part of every country’s national health care policy and infrastructure.
The PRC’s National Blood Services is a vital part of this infrastructure. It is the PRC’s arm that delivers adequate, safe, and quality blood supply to the most vulnerable.
Through the leadership of its Chairman and CEO, Senator Dick Gordon, the PRC now has 98 blood service facilities nationwide, making it the leading provider of blood and blood products in the country. The PRC continually promotes voluntary non-remunerated blood donations to maintain an adequate supply. “Para maging handa tayo sa anumang insidente, kailangang may sapat tayong suplay ng dugo,” Chairman Gordon said.
