By the virtue of Proclamation No. 1021 of 1997, July was declared as the National Blood Donors’ Month by then President Fidel V. Ramos. The observance aims to create public awareness on the need for quality and safe blood, honor and recognize blood donors, and encourage regular blood donation.

Blood donation is a humanitarian act that saves thousands of human lives. In addition to that, donating blood regularly provides several benefits to the donor. It improves emotional and mental well-being, reduces the risk of heart and liver disease, lowers cancer risk, develops new blood cells, maintains body weight, lowers cholesterol level, and provides a free health checkup and pathology test.

According to the Department of Health, basic requirements of a potential blood donor should weigh at least 110 lbs (50 kg), has pulse rate between 60 and 100 beats per minute with regular rhythm, has blood pressure between 90 and 160 systolic, and 60 and 100 diastolic and with hemoglobin level of at least 125 g/L.  The amount of blood that will be collected depend mainly on the donor’s body weight.

Through the Republic Act No. 7719, also known as the National Blood Services Act of 1994, the promotion of voluntary blood donation to provide sufficient supply of safe blood and to regulate blood banks is strengthened. This act aims to instill public awareness that blood donation is a noble act of saving lives through the gift of blood.

This year, with the theme “Dugoyanihan: Sulong sa Pagtulong ang Dugong Pilipino!” let us honor all the volunteer blood donors and let us take part in saving more lives through regular blood donation.

Written by: NO II Bianca Estrella

Sources:

8 Reasons Why You Should Donate Blood Regularly (5 September 2019). Retrieved from: https://www.makatimed.net.ph/news-and-exhibits/news/reasons-why-you-should-donate-blood-regularly

Blood Donation Program. (no year). Retrieved from: https://doh.gov.ph/blood-donation-program

Proclamation No. 1021.  (9 June 1997). Retrieved from: https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/downloads/1997/06jun/19970609-PROC-1021-FVR.pdf

Voluntary Blood Donation. (no year). Retrieved from: https://doh.gov.ph/node/1449