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DOH calls for continuous blood donation

Friday, June 15, 2012 08:55 AM    Views : 813by:Lilibeth A. French

ILOILO CITY, June 15 (PIA) -- The Department of Health (DOH) in Western Visayas has called on government agencies and civil society organizations to pursue their voluntary blood donation programs.

DOH-6 Human Resource Head Dr. Sophia Pulmones said during a program in celebration of the World Blood Donors Day held at SM City Iloilo on June 14 that voluntary blood donation is embodied in Republic Act (RA) No. 7719 or the National Blood Services Act of 1994.

RA No. 7719 promotes voluntary blood donation providing for an adequate supply of safe blood, regulating blood banks and providing penalties.

Pulmones said the DOH-6 also continues to uphold and support bloodletting activities in local government units of different provinces, cities and municipalities in the region in collaboration with the Philippine Red Cross (PRC), Western Visayas Medical Center and other partners in the private and public sectors.

"I take this opportunity to appeal to the people of Western Visayas to continue their undying support in promoting and implementing the Blood Donation Services as we celebrate the promise of the gift of blood for a blessed life," said Pulmones as she stressed the importance of the participation of the community and the collaborating efforts of the different sectors in the enhancement of the voluntary regular blood donation and strengthening of the supply of blood needed for those who seek treatment.

She said the theme of the 2012 World Blood Donor Day campaign, "Every blood donor is a hero" focuses on the idea that all of us can be a hero by sharing that lifesaving gift of blood.

"This day, we recognize all the silent and unsung heroes who save lives every day through their blood donations, as we strongly encourage all of us here and to more people from all walks of life all over the world to donate blood voluntarily and regularly," said Pulmones.

According to Pulmones, evidence from around the world show that voluntary unpaid donors are the foundation of safe blood supply for they are the least likely to transmit potentially life threatening infections such as Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis viruses to their blood recipients.

Aside from the program, a series of events will further highlight the celebration in this city to reinforce that donating blood is a heroic life-saving act of solidarity. These activities include a booth display at SM City Ground floor until June 17, blood donation activity at the West Visayas State University Campus on June 15, Donor Recruitment training for the 143 Philippine Red Cross volunteers on June 25 to 26 and advocacy on blood safety, HIV prevention and healthy lifestyle.

PRC-Iloilo Chapter officers led by its Chairman Ramon Cua-Locsin, DOH-6 Regional Blood Program Coordinator Dr. Edgardo Silva, Iloilo Provincial Blood Coordinator Dr. Robert Ponje, Haplos-Iloilo Chapter Adviser and Hematologist Consultant Dr. Mary Giselle Alfeche and the newly inducted officers of the Iloilo Blood Coordinating Council with their president Dr. Judith Jimeno attended the program.


Source:http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=&;pdp=4&article=931339663428

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