Importance of donating blood

Summary

In this segment, Nina Azusena, the donor recruitment officer from the Philippine Red Cross, discusses the importance of blood donation. She explains how donating blood saves lives, the qualifications required for donors, and the process involved. She also clarifies common concerns, such as the effects of tattoos or body piercings on eligibility and the minimal discomfort experienced during donation. Nina invites viewers to participate in blood donation, highlighting the availability of donation programs at the Philippine Red Cross National Blood Center. Employees from CNN Philippines are also joining the initiative to donate blood and help save lives.

Takeaways

• 😀 Donating blood saves lives by providing essential blood supply to hospitals and patients in need.
• 😀 The Philippine Red Cross collects over 3,000 blood units daily to meet nationwide healthcare needs.
• 😀 Donating blood is also a way to check your own health, ensuring you're fit to give blood and stay healthy.
• 😀 Blood donations can be made every 3 months (12 weeks) to help replenish the blood supply.
• 😀 If you have a tattoo or body piercing, you can donate blood as long as the tattoo or piercing is over one year old.
• 😀 The blood donation process is quick, typically taking 10-15 minutes, and involves a physical exam, blood typing, and hemoglobin check.
• 😀 Minor discomfort may occur during the blood extraction, but it's generally manageable and the process is not painful.
• 😀 Before donating blood, it's important to be well-rested, hydrated, and to avoid eating right before the donation.
• 😀 The Philippine Red Cross National Blood Center in Mandaluyong is open daily from 8 AM to 5 PM for walk-in donations.
• 😀 Corporate and institutional blood donation drives are available, and organizations are encouraged to participate in these life-saving efforts.

Q & A

Why is it important to donate blood?

Donating blood helps save lives by providing a vital resource for people in need of blood transfusions. It also allows you to check your own health status, ensuring that you are healthy enough to donate.

How many blood units are needed daily in the Philippines?

The Philippines requires 3,000 blood units every day to meet the demands of hospitals and healthcare institutions.

How often can a person donate blood?

You can donate blood every three months, or 12 weeks, after your last donation.

Can people with tattoos or body piercings donate blood?

Yes, individuals who have tattoos or body piercings can donate blood, provided that it has been more than one year since the procedure was done.

What should a person do before donating blood to ensure a smooth process?

Before donating blood, it is recommended to stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids and to ensure you are well-rested, having slept for at least five to six hours the night before.

Is the blood donation process painful or uncomfortable?

The blood donation process generally involves minimal discomfort. The extraction usually takes 10-15 minutes, and any discomfort is typically brief. It is important to follow guidelines, such as drinking fluids before and after, to minimize discomfort.

What programs are available for blood donation through the Philippine Red Cross?

The Philippine Red Cross conducts daily blood donation drives, and they also offer walk-in blood donations at their National Blood Center in Mandaluyong. They welcome both scheduled and spontaneous donations.

Where can people donate blood in Mandaluyong?

People can donate blood at the Philippine Red Cross National Blood Center in Mandaluyong. It is open daily, including holidays, from 8 AM to 5 PM.

What should individuals bring when visiting the National Blood Center to donate blood?

When visiting the National Blood Center, donors should bring a valid ID, which will be used for the screening process before donating blood.

How can employees of organizations contribute to blood donation efforts?

Organizations can arrange blood donation drives, and employees can donate blood as part of these events. For example, CNN Philippines employees were set to donate blood as part of a corporate initiative.