THE Philippine Red Cross (PRC) yesterday asked Filipinos to make it a point to regularly donate blood in a bid to help the country establish adequate blood supply.
“Every day, thousands of Filipinos need blood. We cannot manufacture blood, and the only way to ensure an adequate supply of safe blood in every community is to establish a stable base of regular and voluntary blood donors,” said PRC chairman Richard Gordon in a statement for the observance of the National Blood Donors Month.
“Aim to be a person for others. When people ask for help, it is our duty to come to them instead of asking them to come to us,” he added.
In 2023 alone, the PRC said, it dispensed 539,608 blood units, helping 263,282 patients.
From January to June 2024, the PRC dispensed 260,104 blood units, helping 129,456 patients.
“These are those undergoing pregnancy complications, dengue, accident injuries, and surgical and cancer treatments,” said Gordon.
“During disasters, there is also a rapid influx of patients to hospitals,” he added.
The PRC said it has 32 blood centers and 75 blood station/collection sites across the country.
Under the Presidential Proclamation No. 1021, the National Blood Donors Month is celebrated every July.
