NAGA CITY — The city government of Naga thru its City Health Office has recorded at least 84 donors in its bloodletting activity last Friday, Jan. 29. The blood drive was conducted to augment the LGU’s variety of blood products at the Bicol Medical Center here.
Dr. Diana Sarah Donacao, BMC medical officer IV, who served as blood donor screening officer, said the blood donors were carefully examined first to determine if they are qualified for the donation.
“A would-be donor should be at least not less than 50 kilograms whose age ranges from 18 to 65 years old and has a clean bill of health. His/her blood pressure must not below 90/60 or beyond 160/100,” the doctor said.
Aside from determining their vital signs, the donors were also required to undergo test for hemoglobin count to find out whether they are anemic. Blood donors who have fever or coughs and colds were not permitted to donate. Tattooed donors were also prohibited unless they had it 12 months before their scheduled blood donation.
Ma. Grace Guevara, medical technologist II and program director of the Naga City Blood Council, said that they are strict in the screening process to be able to identify the qualified donors who would help them to collect blood of good quality.
Guevara encouraged qualified donors to donate blood once or twice a year. She said that health benefits of donating blood include good health and reduced risk of cancer and hemochromatosis. It helps in reducing the risk of damage to liver and pancreas. It may help in improving cardiovascular health and reducing obesity.
Dr. Donacao also explained that giving blood would help one to stimulates his/her own bone marrow to produce new and young blood cells.
Guevara said that they are hoping that by June or May, this year, the City Health Office would be able to conduct again another blood collection in time for the celebration of the city’s charter anniversary. She said she is elated by the remarkable turnout of those who donated blood.
