Red Cross Aklan urges public to support massive blood donations
BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

KALIBO, Aklan - The Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) Aklan is urging the public to donate blood amid the continuing rise of dengue cases in the province of Aklan.

PNRC administrator Arcely Pelayo said the local chapter is conducting massive blood letting activities with the business groups and radio stations to maintain a constant supply of blood for patients.

"PNRC has enough supply of blood for emergencies. Although the province needs at least one percent blood units or 5,000 units yearly, so far, the local chapter collected 2,500 units a year. Eligible blood donors are needed all year-round to ensure blood is available when patients need it," she said in the regular weekly Kapihan sa Aklan.

She thanked the Aklan Blood Coordinating Council (ABCC) in its efforts to implement the National Voluntary Blood Services Program. The local blood council passed resolutions requesting the provincial government to provide refrigerated centrifuge, plasma freezer, platelet agitator and plasma separator.

Dr. Oscar Tinio, president of the Philippine Medical Association (PMA), also supported the campaign of ABCC and the Aklan Medical Society for blood letting activities.
"Donate blood, make it habit, because when someone you know out there needs your blood, please support 'dugo mo, buhay ko," he stressed.