Cardinal Santos Medical Center joins the worldwide healthcare community this National Blood Donors Month under the banner of the World Health Organization's "Give blood, give plasma, share life, share often" campaign. The hospital focused on teaching citizens and patients about the need for healthcare institutions to have a constant and sustainable supply of blood donors and blood products in 2023.
The hospital also observed World Blood Donor Day by holding a blood drive on June 14, 2023. Donors from all walks of life came out in force for the appeal. Over 100 members of the local community, hospital employees, and energetic volunteers immediately gave their assistance.
According to Fidel H. Tejada, who heads Cardinal Santos’ Blood Bank, even major Metro Manila hospitals are facing a challenge with the growing demand for blood and blood products. “Most of the big hospitals and Medical Centers in the country, private and government, including specialized hospitals are saturated. Our blood centers like Philippine Red Cross and Philippine Blood Center have a hard time keeping up with the blood needs of all these hospitals. This is the reason why we are doing our part on helping in blood collection in our institution.”
The celebration not only commemorated World Blood Donor Day, but also served as a reminder that giving blood is an act of love, compassion, and hope.
Dr. Marilou A. Abiera, Obstetrician-Gynecologist and Chairman of Cardinal Santos' Blood Transfusion Committee, emphasized the significance of community involvement. “Patients and their families can support the blood supply by encouraging healthy individuals to donate blood and they can spread awareness about the importance of blood donation within their communities, workplaces and social networks.” She also points out that one person can save up to three lives with one pint of donated blood at minimal cost. “It’s safe, it saves lives and it’s free.”
Blood is required in crucial medical contexts such as accidents or injuries, surgery, cancer, dengue, and anemia therapies, and even delivery. However, blood donation benefits more than only individuals who require transfusions because there are various perks to being a donor. Blood donation on a regular basis has been related to lower blood pressure and a lower risk of heart attack. Registered donors are also given precedence at Cardinal Santos if they ever require a transfusion themselves, as long as there is an appropriate supply.
The world can continue to beat, one life-saving pint of blood at a time, thanks to the combined efforts of institutions like Cardinal Santos Medical Center and the unflinching support of donors.
“[People] can help by spreading awareness about the importance of blood donation and encouraging others to donate. Additionally, expressing gratitude to blood donors can go a long way in recognizing their valuable contribution,” said Abiera. With the collective efforts of organizations like Cardinal Santos Medical Center and the unwavering support of donors, the world can continue to beat, one life-saving pint of blood at a time.
The Cardinal Santos Blood Bank is open every day for anybody who wants to donate blood. Those interested in donating blood can contact them at 8727 0001, extension 4015. Please visit https://cardinalsantos.com.ph/ for more information on the other programs and services provided by CSMC. Like and follow CSMC on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CardinalSantos.
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