The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) – Baguio Chapter shared its programs, clarified misconceptions, and encouraged the youth to become volunteers at a press forum, April 11, at its office.
PRC Baguio Administrator Jennelyn Terre asked the public, especially the youth, to become volunteers for the PRC, not only in donating blood, but also in helping with the other services they offer.
“We are encouraging everyone, especially the youth para maturuan natin sila ng first aid, basic life support, and the WASH Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) Readiness Project programs and activities. Para maimobalize po natin sila (volunteers) in times of disaster and emergencies na kailangan natin ng man power,” she said adding that one of the benefits of being a blood donor is the availability of blood in case of emergencies.
“In times of emergencies, as a blood donor, the blood is readily available… Kapag nagtext kayo o tumawag sa hotline ng Red Cross Baguio, the blood is readily available because yun yung gusto naming i-give back to you as a donor,” Terre said.
The Chairman of the PRC-Baguio Board of Directors, Atty. Carlos Canilao, clarified, however, that blood is given to those who are in extreme need.
“Whoever needs the blood most, sila ang bibigyan ng blood. Kaya kahit donor ka, and kung kailangan mo ng dugo, pero hindi ka naman in serious need, eh hindi ibibigay sayo,” he emphasized.
Terre assured those who are interested in donating blood but are scared of side effects that the staff of PRC are well-trained professionals.
“Don’t worry. Our staff, the med techs and nurses na kumukuha sa inyo ng blood are well-trained para maagapan o mabigyang lunas yung mga reactions na pwedeng mangyari during and after your blood donations. We do have doctors to check if you’re really qualified or not. Not just basing on our criteria, but also on your history as a blood donor… So lahat ng donors, bago magdonate, they are well-checked ng doctor at tsaka nung mga staff natin,” she said.
Terre said PRC’s other programs include the WASH Readiness Project that aims to reduce the risks of water, sanitation, and hygiene-related diseases in marginalized and vulnerable communities especially during emergencies and disasters; Pledge 25 which encourages blood donors who are 18-25 years old to pledge to donate every 3 months until they are able to; Health Caravans, that exhibit the different services of the PRC (such as blood donation, standard first aid training, membership fund campaign, and lectures on dengue, mental health, and other diseases) in different booths or stations.
It was also clarified that the money you pay for requesting blood is not for buying the blood itself.
“We do not sell the blood, we pay for the processing fee… Yung dugo kasi, kapag kinuha kay Pedro, hindi naman yan isasalin kaagad kay Juan. Dadaan yan sa mga process, sa mga makina,” Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors, Ryan Dale Mangusan said.
“It’s a mandate of the Department of Health na meron tayong binabayaran na processing fee kasi we ensure that the blood is safe and [of] quality before natin siya isalin sa pasyente natin,” Terre added.
The processing fees are: P1,800/unit – blood (450cc); red cell – P1,500/unit, platelet component, fresh frozen plasma, and cryoprecipitate – P1,000php/unit.
The PRC – Baguio Chapter is also actively trying to improve their office to ensure proper and safe services to the public as they recently upgraded the third floor which is the training center for first aid training, and are currently renovating the first floor to be more accommodating.
“Para mas maging maaliwalas [at] maganda ang office natin for both the staff and visitors,” Terre said.**Paula Stephanie Morales
