by Felipo David G. Malcampo
ZAMBOANGA CITY, June 29 (PIA) – Philippine Red Cross (PRC) – Zamboanga City Blood Bank Manager Dr. Kelly Geronimo called on the public to donate blood to ensure regular supply for those in need.
In an interview with Dr. Geronimo during the PIA Media Forum, he said there is a need for more blood donors to effectively serve the public as blood demand increased dramatically after Philippine Red Cross-Zamboanga City was declared the Regional Blood Bank.
“We noted an increase in the demand for blood since we now also serve Sulu, Basilan, and Zamboanga Sibugay, our three big neighboring provinces. Actually, the demand has tripled. The challenge here is how to meet the demand, and so we are reaching out to others for more donation”, Dr. Geronimo said.
However, Dr. Geronimo clarified that there is enough supply in the blood bank.
“We have enough supply of blood. But we need to have consistent blood donation to make sure we can serve those in need. Our advocacy is for more people to donate blood”, he said.
PRC-Zamboanga City Administrator Vic Liozo said they have intensified their education campaign on blood donation.
“We are going to barangays to educate the public on blood donation. In fact, we assigned a Donor Equipment Officer whose sole function is to encourage people to donate blood”, Mr. Liozo said.
As a result of their advocacy, PRC noted an increase in the number of voluntary blood donation in the city.
“From, 2010 to 2011, and even up to the first half of this year, we have noted an increase in the number of voluntary blood donation here. It’s actually a good improvement, and we hope to sustain this momentum”, Dr. Geronimo said.
Mr. Liozo added that their advocacy program now extends even to elementary pupils.
“We are inculcating in the minds of these young children the importance of donating blood. We tap them to recruit blood donors. It can be their parents, brothers or relatives who are qualified to donate blood”, Liozo said.
Since July is Blood Donors’ Month, the Red Cross has scheduled lots of blood-letting donation for the entire month in schools and other offices here.
“We have lined up blood-letting activities for the whole month of July. This will ensure that we will have enough, or even excess supply of blood in our bank. There will be simultaneous blood-letting activities in the entire country. There will be saturation of blood-letting activities next month", Liozo said. (FDM/PIA-ZBST)