The City Health Office (CHO) on Tuesday conducted a blood donation activity at the CHO Building, reinforcing the city’s efforts to maintain a sufficient blood supply for medical emergencies.
Jonathan Dumandan, blood program manager of CHO, told reporters that the donated blood will be for future use to ensure adequate supply for the city’s healthcare needs.
He also said that to expand participation, the CHO has been coordinating with barangays across Davao City to implement localized blood donation activities.
“Para ang syudad sa Davao naa gyo’y pondo [nga dugo] dili na ta kapreha sa una nga maglisod ta og pangita. Muadto pa ta sa ubang region para [makakuha] og dugo (So that we have enough supply of blood here in Davao City. Unlike before that we had a hard time finding it. We have to go to other regions to [get] blood),” he said.
Christian Pilay, mobile blood donation head of the subnational blood center for Mindanao, earlier said that a single donation can save up to three lives as the donated blood can be divided into three essential components — Red Blood Cells, Red Frozen Plasma, and platelet.
He also said that when donating, donors must meet the criteria which include weighing at least 50 kilograms, especially for teenagers, having at least six to eight hours of sleep before donating, eating a low-fat breakfast, and drinking plenty of water.
He also said that donors must have their Hemoglobin checked, especially for women who have menstruation.
Individuals with tattoos or piercings may donate if their tattoo or piercing is at least 12 months old.
Pilay explained that these precautions follow international standards.
He said Dabawenyos can donate blood every 90 days, or four times a year. CIO
