DOH regional medical program coordinator Evelyn David said the target for voluntary blood donation this year is two percent of the total population of the region for blood donors, and one percent of the total population for blood collection.
“Since July is also celebrated as the National Blood Donors Month, we are encouraging the residents of Central Luzon to volunteer as blood donors,” she said.
She noted “plenty of benefits when a person regularly donates blood. It is best for a person to donate blood every three months. This will help lessen the cause of stroke and bad cardiac conditions.”
“Donated blood would naturally be replenished in the body, bringing better oxygen to the heart, brain, kidney, and other organs,” she said in a press briefing here.
David stressed, however, several criteria for volunteer blood donors who are screened by medical practitioners.
“The donors must be of legal age, preferably aged 16-60 years old. Minors should first provide the consent of their parents, who have read and understood the questionnaire and the process the donor will undergo. Also, a donor must weigh at least 50 kilograms. The heartbeat required should be 60 to 100, and the blood pressure should not go beyond 160 and should not be below 100,” David explained.
She urged those disqualified from donating to help promote and advocate voluntary blood donation.
David also noted that all blood donation undergoes five series of tests before they can be added to the region’s blood supply. The blood collected is ran through testing for Malaria, HIV/AIDS, syphilis, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C, she said.
“Blood donors are heroes because they can save lives. Voluntary blood donation is an act of kindness. What we can do is to give blood— give now, and give often,” she stressed.
