CONTACT US: 0919 058 5858 | 02 899 51920
CONTACT US:
0919 058 5858 | 02 899 51920
CONTACT US: 0919 058 5858 | 02 899 51920
CONTACT US:
0919 058 5858 | 02 899 51920
Did you know that the Philippines needs over 2,000 blood units every day for emergency surgeries, childbirth complications, cancer treatments, accidents, and disasters?
According to the Philippine Red Cross (PRC), a unit of whole blood is separated using special equipment into three components: one unit of red blood cells, plasma, and platelets. This incredible process means that one blood donation can save up to three lives.
July holds a special significance in the Philippines as the country honors the selfless individuals who give the gift of life. Designated as National Blood Donor Month by Presidential Proclamation No. 1021 signed in 1997, this annual observance raises public awareness about the importance of having a safe and consistent blood supply across the nation.
Blood donation saves countless lives and, at the same time, provides an array of advantages for the donor, making it a win-win for everyone involved. This humanitarian act can improve your emotional and mental well-being, reduce the risk of heart and liver disease, rejuvenate your blood, potentially lower the risk of certain cancers, maintain body weight, and lower cholesterol levels. Donors also benefit from free physical examinations, including blood pressure checks and screenings for transmissible infections during bloodletting events.
During the height of the pandemic in 2020, several bloodletting events were cancelled due to the fear of COVID-19, causing a blood supply shortage in the Philippines. This alarming decline continued into 2021, prompting urgent appeals for blood donations from the Department of Health (DOH), government officials, health experts, and the PRC. As the nation navigated the pandemic, public response and organized efforts gradually improved the blood supply in the country.
According to Health Research, the Philippines has a blood donation rate of 6.6 per 1,000 people, which falls below the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommendation of at least 10 donations per 1,000 people.
National Blood Donor Month is an opportunity to continue raising awareness and encourage more people to become regular blood donors. A key step in achieving this is to bust common myths surrounding blood donation and provide the right information to inspire more people to give the ultimate gift of life.
Myth #1. Donating blood will deplete a person’s blood supply.
Fact: An average adult has about 10 pints of blood, and a typical donation involves giving just 450 cc (around one pint). You might be surprised how quickly your body recovers – your blood volume usually bounces back to normal within 24 hours. However, you need four to six weeks to replace your red blood cells. That’s why the American Red Cross recommends waiting 56 days (8 weeks) before donating blood again. A healthy individual may donate blood every three months.
Myth #2: Donating blood takes a lot of time.
Fact: The entire process generally takes around thirty minutes. The first step is registration and health screening, followed by the actual drawing of blood, usually lasting five to ten minutes. After the blood collection, you’ll be given a few minutes to recover before heading out.
Myth #3: Donating blood is a painful process.
Fact: You’ll feel the first stick of the needle, but you shouldn’t feel any pain or discomfort during the donation.
Myth #4: An individual with a tattoo or body piercing is not qualified to donate blood.
Fact: According to the PRC, if your tattooing or piercing procedure was done at least one year ago, you are generally eligible to donate blood.
Myth #5: People with common blood types don’t need to donate blood.
Fact: No matter what your blood type is, your donation is valuable and can help save lives. For instance, O negative, also referred to as the universal blood type, is the go-to blood type for emergency blood transfusions. It is often the first one to be depleted during blood shortages.
Myth #5: Blood donors can catch diseases from blood donation.
Fact: The PRC only uses sterile, disposable needles and syringes to ensure the safety of all donors.
Myth #6: Blood donation makes a person weak.
Fact: Donating 450cc of blood is generally safe and will not cause any ill effects or weakness. Blood donation stimulates your bone marrow to produce fresh, new blood cells and promotes the better function of blood-forming organs.
Here are the qualifications to donate blood based on the PRC:
Dispelling the common myths surrounding blood donation can help foster a culture of giving the ultimate gift of life. In reality, blood donation is a safe and quick process that not only saves countless lives but also offers surprising health benefits to the donor. Blood donation complements other vital emergency preparedness measures, such as having an Emergency Health Card Philippines.
Easy access health plan options for the Filipino community.
We know finding the right healthcare plan can be a complex and confusing task.
Our health plan specialists are always here to help 24/7.
Got more questions?