Red Cross Northern Samar bewails lack of blood donors

By NENE A. MANZANARES, (PIA Northern Samar)
August 10, 2006

CATARMAN, Northern Samar –  "Everyday, blood is needed by people suffering from anemia, leukemia, hemophilia, those who will undergo surgery, or those who will deliver a baby” – thus says the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC). This striking message however still needs to register in the minds of possible blood donors in the province.

Provincial Red Cross administrator Susan Hernandez and her staff Renard Fidel told PIA in Huruhimangraw Sa Panginudto radio program last Saturday of their concern over the seemingly lack of blood donors in Northern Samar.

Hernandez said that people need to understand that there should be a safe stock of blood which should be available anytime it is needed.

On the other hand, Fidel noted that there is lack of dissemination on the importance of blood donation. He then explained that there are benefits a blood donor gets like his bone marrow will be stimulated to produce new and active cells which in turn make the blood forming organs function effectively. The donor will also get a personal health check and would consequently know his blood type, hemoglobin and blood pressure. And more importantly, Hernandez added that donating blood will make the donor feel good about himself knowing that he has possibly saved another person’s life.

Hernandez however noted that while the number of blood donors need to double up, the PNRC is grateful to those who have donated blood. The list shows that donors came from the Department of Public Works and Highways (1 from the second district and 7 from the first district); Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints [May 13 and April 29, 2006 – 6 donors]; and from the University of Eastern Philippines [June 27 and July 20, 2006] – 25 donors, mostly students).

Meanwhile, the call for blood donors continue. Qualified to donate blood are those who are 18 to 65 years old, (16 and 17 may donate provided it is with parent’s /guardian’s consent); one must be at least 110 lbs or 50 kgs.; one’s hemoglobin level must be at least 125g/l (not anemic); one’s blood pressure must be between: Systolic- 90 to 160 mmHg; Diastolic – 60 to 100 mmHg. Pulse rate should be 50 to 100 beats/min (regular rhythm).

PNRC reminds donors that before donating blood, he should have enough rest and sleep; he should not take alcohol at least 24 hours; he does not undertake medication for at least 24 hours; he eats light meals, and avoid fatty foods and he drinks plenty of fluids like water juice.

There are approximately 5 to 6 liters of blood in the body of a normal human adult. There are no ill effects therefore if a healthy individual may donate 450 cc of blood. This small blood loss will be rapidly compensated by the body as the fluid portion will be replaced within 24 hours and cell within weeks. By the end of the month, the body will have the same amount of blood as before the blood donation.