PRC, CebuPac join hands to deliver blood donations
THE Philippine Red Cross (PRC) has been collaborating with Cebu Pacific Air to transport donated blood units to different regions across the country.
Available data show that from January 2020 up to the present, Cebu Pacific (CebuPac) transported 1,283 units of donated blood from PRC National Blood Services, in Mandaluyong City, to PRC Chapters and vice versa to meet the needs of people in conflict-affected and disaster-hit areas, the most recent being the COVID-19 pandemic.
Humanitarian emergencies may result in an increased demand for blood transfusion. The collaboration between the foremost humanitarian organization in the country and a major airline is an emergency preparedness measure to make quality blood products available on time to patients who need them.
Storage and transportation of blood products require stringent protocols, and some blood products must be transfused immediately.
PRC Chairman and CEO Richard J. Gordon underscored the need for enough blood supply, especially during disasters and emergencies, and expressed gratitude to CebuPac.
“Kapag may mga sakuna – ito man ay dahil sa digmaan o natural hazards – tumataas ang pangangailangan ng mga tao sa dugo. Nagpapasalamat kami sa Cebu Pacific dahil sa kanilang malasakit na madalhan ng dugo ang mga taong nangangailangan nito sa oras ng sakuna,” said Gordon.
Gordon also assured the public that the PRC’s 102 blood service facilities nationwide are ready to assist in case of need.
For blood donations, blood requests, and other inquiries, email the PRC National Blood Services at [email protected] or contact the PRC Blood Call Center, which may be reached nationwide by dialing 143.
