Philippine Red Cross appeals for blood donation as it 'faces shortage' during COVID crisis | ABS-CBN
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Philippine Red Cross appeals for blood donation as it 'faces shortage' during COVID crisis
Philippine Red Cross appeals for blood donation as it 'faces shortage' during COVID crisis
Katrina Domingo,
ABS-CBN News
Published Jun 10, 2020 04:30 PM PHT
MANILA - The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) on Wednesday appealed for blood donations as the organization "faces a shortage of blood supply" during the coronavirus pandemic.
MANILA - The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) on Wednesday appealed for blood donations as the organization "faces a shortage of blood supply" during the coronavirus pandemic.
The Philippine Red Cross has a "limited supply of blood nationwide" and is "in danger of running out," PRC chair Sen. Richard Gordon said in a statement.
The Philippine Red Cross has a "limited supply of blood nationwide" and is "in danger of running out," PRC chair Sen. Richard Gordon said in a statement.
"We need your help. Amid the ongoing COVID-19 crisis in our country, there are persons in hospitals now who are badly in need of blood transfusions like cancer patients, accident victims, people with blood disorders, mothers who are giving birth, and so many others," he said.
"We need your help. Amid the ongoing COVID-19 crisis in our country, there are persons in hospitals now who are badly in need of blood transfusions like cancer patients, accident victims, people with blood disorders, mothers who are giving birth, and so many others," he said.
"We don’t want to get to the point where surgeries have to get cancelled or other similar dire incidents that could arise," he said.
"We don’t want to get to the point where surgeries have to get cancelled or other similar dire incidents that could arise," he said.
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The PRC needs to have an average of 12,000 to 13,000 blood bags a day to ensure that it will be able to provide blood in emergency situations nationwide.
The PRC needs to have an average of 12,000 to 13,000 blood bags a day to ensure that it will be able to provide blood in emergency situations nationwide.
As of June 10, the PRC only has 9,000 bags in its blood bank, according to data from Gordon's office.
As of June 10, the PRC only has 9,000 bags in its blood bank, according to data from Gordon's office.
In March, the Philippine Blood Center said supply in their blood bank dwindled after most donors were forced to stay at home during the nearly 2-month Luzon lockdown to stem the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
In March, the Philippine Blood Center said supply in their blood bank dwindled after most donors were forced to stay at home during the nearly 2-month Luzon lockdown to stem the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Private establishments that usually sponsor blood donation drives, like schools and offices, had to temporarily cease operations during the enhanced community quarantine, Philippine Blood Center Medical Officer III Dr. April Andal earlier said in a radio interview.
Private establishments that usually sponsor blood donation drives, like schools and offices, had to temporarily cease operations during the enhanced community quarantine, Philippine Blood Center Medical Officer III Dr. April Andal earlier said in a radio interview.
Those who wish to donate blood may call the PRC’s 143 hotline or (+632) 8790-2300.
Those who wish to donate blood may call the PRC’s 143 hotline or (+632) 8790-2300.
Donors would have to undergo a screening protocol to see if they are qualified to donate blood. Those who recently traveled abroad will only be allowed to donate 2 weeks after their arrival.
Donors would have to undergo a screening protocol to see if they are qualified to donate blood. Those who recently traveled abroad will only be allowed to donate 2 weeks after their arrival.
The PRC would follow guidelines to ensure the safety of the blood donation procedure, such as physical distancing, the organization's statement read.
The PRC would follow guidelines to ensure the safety of the blood donation procedure, such as physical distancing, the organization's statement read.
Read More:
Philippine Red Cross
PRC
blood donation
blood supply
Richard Gordon
health
COVID-19
coronavirus
coronavirus crisis
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