Philippine Red Cross calls for urgent mass blood donations

THE PHILIPPINE Red Cross-Davao City Chapter (PRC-Davao) announced that it needs more blood donations for the entire Davao Region after experiencing a low supply due to high demands from hospitals.

During the Kapihan sa PIA on Jan. 19, Maria Lourdes Roque, PRCDavao City public relations officer, said the organization already experienced a blood supply shortage and needs more to sustain the needs of public and private hospitals.

"We received an urgent call from one of our board members, Dr. Maria Teresa Badiang, saying that there is a shortage of blood now, and that's why there's an urgent call to organize mass blood donations," Roque said.

Roque said hospitals, such as the Southern Philippine Medical Center and private hospitals, may have their respective blood banks but still need more blood to accommodate their patients.

Roque encouraged blood donation drives to be coordinated with civic organizations, barangays, and even parishes. She also said the PRC accepts walk-ins for those who are interested in donating.

"Donating blood regularly replenishes our blood and makes our bone marrow healthier," she added.

Roque shared that the PRC also grants benefits to blood donors such as availing the Philippine Red Cross Membership, a form of donation that has accident assistance benefits intended for anyone between 5-85 years old.

The PRC membership grants individual reimbursements for accidental death, disablement, and dismemberment, hospitalization, and burial.

To become a member, one must register on the organization’s official website at https://redcross.org. ph/membership/ or visit the nearest PRC Chapter.