CITY OF SAN FERNANDO—The Department of Health chose the provincial government of Pampanga to host the kick-off ceremony of the Blood Donor’s Day Celebration with a theme, “Every Blood Donor is a Hero” to be held on July 9 at Bren Z. Guaio Convention Center.
This is a national celebration that promotes awareness on the significance of donating blood. The event highlights are the human formation that ensemble the drop of blood; a walk for life around the oval; and releasing of red balloons.
The celebration will also recognize groups who actively participate and support blood-letting activities in the region.
Dr. Mar Jaochico, Provincial Health Officer, said that this event coincides with the advocacy of the provincial government to encou-rage Capampangans to be a blood donor in accordance with Republic Act 7719, An Act Promoting Voluntary Blood Donation, Providing for an Adequate Supply of Safeblood, Regulating Blood Banks and Providing Penalties for Violation.
“We encourage our fellow Capampangans to donate blood. They will not only save life, it will also be beneficial to their health,” Jaochico said.
The Provincial Health Offce (PHO) expects that through this event, the local government units (LGUs) will help in encouraging their constituents to donate blood especially now that it is needed because of dengue outbreak.
“During rainy season we run out of blood because of outbreaks, so the campaign is very timely,” said Jaochico.
He also disclosed the PHO plans to put up its own blood bank to be placed in one of the district hospitals. Currently, only four institutions are allowed to have blood blanks. These are the Jose B. Lingad Memorial Medical Center, AUF Medical Center, Mother Theresa of Calcutta Medical Center and Philippine National Red Cross.
However, the said institutions cannot sustain the need for blood of all hospitals in the province.
(Jenna V. Lumbang, PIO – Pampanga)
