Bontoc officials to folks: Donate blood

By Alpine L. Killa

BONTOC, Mountain Province – Health and elective officials in this capital are encouraging the public to donate blood to save lives of those who need it during critical times. 
    As part of the lined-up activities in celebration of Bontoc's 113th founding anniversary on September 16, the Bontoc local government unit headed a bloodletting drive on August 12, at the Bontoc municipal capitol.
    This was in response to the observation that in many cases, there was shortage of blood supply for patients.
    Odsey said there was need to maintain a safe, quality, and accessible blood supply for those who need it. 
    He said while the focus of the government was on management of Covid-19, some illnesses require blood transfusion and the so the local government stepped-up its bloodletting drive. 
    “Giving blood is giving the most pre­cious gift to another person. The gift that will extend the life of the sick. The blood which you will donate shall be of great help to those who need it,” the mayor added. 
    According to the website of the Dept. of Health – Cordillera Administrative Region, donating or giving blood has its health benefits. as it reduces risk of heart and liver diseases, lowers  risk of cancer, develops new blood cells, maintains body weight, lowers cholesterol levels, and improves mental well-being. 
    The DOH website, under its National Voluntary Blood Services Program said actual blood extraction takes five to 10 minutes, but the entire donation process, from registration to post-donation, takes about one hour.
    When a donor donates blood, approximately one pint or 450 to 500 milliliters is collected. For a platelet donation, the amount collected depends on the donor's height, weight, and platelet count if collected through Apheresis or about 50 to 70 milliliters for random donor platelet concentrate.
    After donating blood, the volume of fluids will adjust within a few hours from the donation. The red blood cells will be replaced within a few weeks, while platelets and plasma replenishes more quickly.
     The DOH, however, warned that individuals who have the following conditions are not allowed to donate blood: cancer, cardiac disease, severe lung disease, Hepatitis B and C, HIV infection, Aids, STD, unexplained weight loss of more than 5 kg over six months, and chronic alcoholism