PH Red Cross appeals to Filipinos to donate blood amid holiday ‘lean’ months

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) on Wednesday called on the public to donate blood amid the “lean months” during which donor turnout is slow due to vacations and year-end activities – but with a continuous demand for blood supply in hospitals.

In a statement, PRC chairman Richard Gordon said the organization’s blood supply is “not experiencing a shortage.”

“But during the holidays, fewer people come in to donate. Emergencies, surgeries, childbirth, and cancer treatments do not take a holiday, so we encourage Filipinos to keep blood donation in mind during this season of giving,” he said.

PRC Secretary General Dr. Gwen Pang pointed out that blood collections typically slow down from December to late January, even as demand remains steady.

The PRC urged healthy individuals aged 16 to 65 to visit their nearest Red Cross blood donation center or mobile blood drive.

Donors are advised to bring a valid ID and have adequate rest and eat before donating blood.

The public may also follow PRC’s official social media pages or visit the PRC website for inquiries.

In case of an emergency situation, call the PRC Hotline #143. — JMA, GMA Integrated News