Donating blood during the COVID-19 pandemic

Blood supply in some areas became limited when COVID-19 struck due to the restriction of activities and concerns about health and safety.

According to “24 Oras” Friday, however, under Alert Level 1, interested persons may donate blood as long as they pass the screening.

Philippine Red Cross medical officer Gerald Angelo Valeriano said donors should have at least 6-8 hours of sleep and eaten before blood extraction. They also should have no COVID-19 symptoms.

Meanwhile, donors who find themselves in need of blood may be prioritized if they present their blood request form and blood donor card at the hospital or blood centers.

Strict health and safety protocols such as wearing face mask and maintaining social distance are still being observed at blood centers.

GMA Kapuso Foundation and the Philippine Red Cross recently held a Sagip Dugtong Buhay bloodletting activity at Fort Bonifacio, where 122 blood bags had been collected.

For those who wish to organize blood-letting activities in their own communities, they may contact GMA Kapuso Foundation at 89827777, 89284299, or 89289351; or Philippine Red Cross at 87902382 or 87902383.

Cash donations, meanwhile, may be coursed through details found on GMA Kapuso Foundation’s website. – RC, GMA News