Aklan blood council appeals for donors to save lives

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

KALIBO, Aklan - Donate blood and save lives.
The reorganized Aklan Blood Coordinating Council (ABCC) will spearhead its 1st Voluntary Blood Donation Program aimed to collect units of blood from blood donors on October 16.
Dr. Cynthia Dela Cruz, ABCC president and regional governor of the Philippine Medical Association (PMA), has stepped up the recruitment campaign for the much-needed blood for the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC).
Every year, Red Cross Aklan needs 5,000 units of blood yearly and as of September, 2,650 bags were collected from blood donors provincewide.

"ABCC collectively share its efforts in the massive collection of blood in the province to save lives. Every three months, ABCC will facilitate blood donation program in Aklan with the support of private sectors and the local government units," Dela Cruz said.

She explained that donors for the blood-letting activitiy must be 16 to 65 years old, at least 50 kilograms in weight and they should have enough rest and sleep, no alcohol intake and no medication at least 24 hours.

During the blood donation, donors will be asked to fill up the donor's form and their blood pressure, temperature and pulse will also be checked. A sample blood will be extracted to determine the hemoglobin level.

Aside from the regular blood donation program, ABCC is raising funds through the provincial government to acquire equipments such as plasma freezer, plasma separator, platelet agitator and refrigerated centrifuge machine for Red Cross Aklan.

Dela Cruz said the blood drive "Dugo Mo,. Buhay Ko" is conducted from 8 a.m. to 12 noon at Red Cross Aklan office.