Gordon appeals for blood donation as supply ‘in danger of running out’

More blood donors in the Philippines are needed to ensure that blood banks would not run out of supply in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Philippine Red Cross chairperson and Senator Richard Gordon on Wednesday.

"We need your help. Amid the ongoing COVID-19 crisis in our country, there are persons in hospitals now who are badly in need of blood transfusions like cancer patients, accident victims, people with blood disorders, mothers who are giving birth, and so many others, and with a limited supply of blood nationwide, we are in danger of running out," Gordon said in a statement.

"We don’t want to get to the point where surgeries have to get cancelled or other similar dire incidents that could arise. That’s why we are asking everyone to come out and volunteer to donate blood and save lives," he added.

Persons who are interested to donate blood may call the Red Cross hotline 143 or (+632) 8790-2300. A screening process will be followed to determine if a person is qualified to donate blood.

Those with recent travel history abroad would have to wait 14 days after their arrival in the Philippines before they can be allowed to be blood donors.

Gordon assured that blood donations conducted by the Red Cross would follow safety procedures against COVID-19. —LDF, GMA News