City gov't urges monthly blood donation

ILOILO CITY, July 31 (PNA) – Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog ordered a monthly blood letting activity in a bid to help the increasing number of dengue patients here.

Data from the City Health Office (CHO) reports an initial of 138 dengue cases recorded from January to July with 81 villages affected by dengue.

According to the CHO, blood transfusions are given to dengue patients in cases of severe blood loss, as the dengue virus causes the blood vessels to swell and leak, creating small purple colored spots on the skin, called petechiae. The skin may appear bruised in areas where the bleeding is worse.

"Starting August, every department of the city government is mandated to send qualified employees to donate blood," Mabilog said.

He said donating blood twice a year makes a person's blood cells healthy as it contributes also to the steady supply of safe blood whenever it is needed to save lives.

The first blood letting activity for city hall employees is slated August 23 at the second level of Robinsons Place, in connection with the 73rd Charter Day celebration.

City health officer Urminico Baronda said he has proposed to the mayor that the succeeding activities be held every fourth Monday of the month, with two departments for every scheduled dates.

Eighty employees are targeted to donate blood per month.

Mabilog said that casual employees should be active in voluntarily donating their blood.

A person may donate blood up to four times in a year, as long as he or she qualifies in the pre-screening requirement conducted by CHO. (PNA)
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