Blood donation drive can help COVID patients

Bloodletting activity with Philippine Red Cross, Pampanga Medical Society is often conducted at Holy Cross College, but this year’s donation poised a great purpose – it can help COVID positive patients.

With so many patients crowding the provincial hospitals, bed space is not just a problem but blood transfusion is one of the in-demand medical needs. The antibodies in the donor’s blood can help current patients fighting coronavirus disease.

In addition to this, donating blood is also good for an individual’s health according to Dr. Mike Mangulabnan.

“Ang magandang effect kasi noon sa donors sa pagdodonate ng dugo napapalitan din kasi kung ano ang muscles na dinonate mo may capacity ang katawan na mag regenerate into new blood cells hangang mag mature sila. Para bang nalilinis yung system mo,” he said.

Employees, alumni, and residents of the Municipality of Santa Ana joined the drive. They underwent a pre-assessment stage to evaluate and check their health status.

HCC’s nurse monitored donors a month ago before the blood donation drive to inform them about health and safety protocols.

Marites Samson, 32, contributed a bag of her blood for the second time in the blood donation drive conducted by the school.

“Para makatulong sa nangangailangan ganun lang kasi yung dugong makukuha sakin makakautlong sa batang may sakit or kung sino man ang nangangailangan. Sana naman yung mga katulad ko na agustong magdonate wag sila matakot isipin nila makakatlong dugo nila sa ibang tao,” Samson said.

Mandatory wearing of facemask, face shield, and social distancing are observed during the donation drive.

The half-day event collected 31 bags which will proceed to the blood bank of the Philippine Red Cross.