GMA Kapuso Foundation to hold blood donation drive on February 7

GMA Kapuso Foundation's Sagip Dugtong Buhay is set to have blood donation drive on February 7 at Ever Commonwealth Mall, in celebration of 30 years since the project's beginning.

For those interested in donating blood at the event, which will run from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., it is important to have strong and healthy bodies.

First time donors should be aged 16 to 60 years old while regular donors can give blood until 65 years old.

Those interested must also weigh 50 kilograms and above. Those who have tattoos, ear piercings, pregnant, gave birth, had an operation, and had a tooth pulled out are allowed to donate blood after one year.

It is also important to have the right amount of sleep and rest before the day of the donation. Alcohol and oily food should be avoided, while drinking lots of water is recommended.

In 30 years, more than 228,000 patients were helped by the GMA Kapuso Foundation and the Philippine Red Cross' Sagip Dugtong Buhay. There were also 78,491 bags donated, amounting to 1,766 gallons. —Nika Roque/MGP, GMA Integrated News