DOH to Metro Manilans: Donate blood; it's good for you, too

Donate blood—it's good for your own health too.

This was the Department of Health's message to Metro Manila residents Tuesday, urging them to voluntarily donate blood, a practice that it said promotes a healthy lifestyle.

“Voluntary blood donation enhances the production of new red blood cells and reduces the risk of getting heart diseases. It energizes the body and gives one’s self a sense of fulfillment. It also plays an important role in the act of saving a life,” Metro Manila director Eduardo Janairo said in a statement.

Janairo added that while the DOH's Philippine Blood Center can address the need for blood for transfusion, the public should be aware of the benefits of voluntary blood donation.

The DOH cited estimates showing some 2,000 blood units are transfused to patients nationwide every day.

While some may need blood during surgery, others need it after an accident. Still other Filipinos need blood due to a disease that requires blood components.

“I urge all healthy citizens to donate blood voluntarily and help in the saving of lives,” Janairo said.

The DOH's Metro Manila unit recently held its 10th blood donation activity, in coordination with the Philippine Blood Center.

The PBC supplies most blood needs in Level 1 and Level 2 hospitals and some non-hospital-based facilities like renal dialysis centers and birthing homes in Metro Manila.

The DOH has accredited selected Level 3 hospitals to collect, test, and process blood.

On the other hand, the Philippine Red Cross supplies 25 to 30 percent of the country’s national blood requirements.

Requirements

The DOH said donors should be in good health, between 16 to 65 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds (50 kilograms) and pass physical, health history and lifestyle assessment during the screening.

It added those aged 16 and 17 must secure parental consent.

Donors may go to the Philippine Blood Center, located at the Lung Center Compound in Quezon City, accepts walk-in donors from Mondays to Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Voluntary blood donors can also donate at selected Level 3 government and private hospitals, and Philippine Red Cross chapters in the country.

As for those who want to schedule a blood activity or a blood drive in their office, school or church, they may call 709-3703 or 709-3792 for assistance. — BM, GMA News