Filipinos with rare blood type host gathering to save lives

RH Negative Philippines team up with agencies for better, faster services

RH Negative Philippines is a network of blood donors and donees of the rare RH- blood type, which held its fourth annual general assembly recently at City State Hotel in Ermita, Manila.

The gathering aims to encourage people with RH negative blood type to donate their blood to save lives.

The event last Nov. 19 was attended by RH Negative Philippines’ officers, members and families, and representatives of Philippine Blood Center, Department of Health and Philippine Red Cross. These organizations aim to work together to give better and faster service to patients with RH negative blood type who are in dire need of help because of the shortage in availability of this rare blood.

”Behind the happy faces during and after blood donation is the fulfillment of our hearts to help and save a life. The relationship we have with our blood recipient is what sustain us. Indeed, blood connects us all,” said Woody Jay Apa, president of RH Negative Philippines.

“We need to realize the value of the time and blood that we give because this saves the lives of others,” said Lolita Otero, mother of the late Richard Otero, RH Negative Philippines’ co-founder.

Crucial

“We are only a few and we only have each other to rely on,” she added.

It is crucial to get a blood typing to know your blood group (A, B, O, AB) and rhesus (Rh) status (positive or negative).

The Rh factor is fixed by genes, which is a protein (D antigen) that can be present in the surface of red blood cells. Most people have the Rh factor and they are Rh positive, while less than 1 percent of Asians do not have this, thus, they are Rh negative.

Being RH Negative (A-, B, O-, AB-) is a serious health issue if you are in need of blood transfusion or if you are pregnant.

To inquire and be a member of RH Negative Philippines, visit Facebook page: RH Negative Philippines or contact Woody Jay Apa at 0918-6469479 or email at rhnegativephilippines@gmail.com

(CONTRIBUTED FOTO) GATHERING. Officers and members of RH Negative Philippines pose for a group photo during their gathering in Manila.