BY FRANCIS ALYXIA PALMES AND MARINA VILLEGAS/CMU Interns
THE SUBNATIONAL Blood Center for Mindanao (SBCM) urged the public to participate in blood-letting in observance of World Blood Donor Day.
During the iSpeak media forum on Thursday, June 25, at the Sanggunian Panglungsod, SBCM donor recruitment officer Sachiko Jaudian emphasized that maintaining an adequate blood supply relies on the voluntary participation of the public, ensuring a stable blood inventory for patients in need.
“Eligible Davaoeños are encouraged to donate blood or participate in bloodletting activities, as doing so can save lives and help extend a person’s life,” Jaudian said.
The SBCM is located along J.P. Laurel Avenue, across Gaisano Mall Bajada in Davao City. It operates 24/7 to accommodate both patients and blood donors. Individuals who wish to donate blood are required to present a valid ID.
Nationwide, there are two subnational blood centers — one in Mindanao, located in Davao City, and one in the Visayas, located in Cebu.
Jaudian explained that patients require different blood components depending on their medical condition. She noted that blood service facilities assess blood compatibility between donors and patients and conduct health assessments before donation.
She added that patients may obtain blood either through donors or from available blood inventories in health facilities. However, blood donors who participate in community blood donation activities are not guaranteed 100 percent replacement of blood units, as collected blood has a limited shelf life and eventually expires.
Jaudian also said that the blood center continues to maintain a stable blood inventory through the support of repeat donors and regular bloodletting activities, helping ensure an adequate blood supply for patients who need transfusions.
