Donate blood, Red Cross urges youth

MANILA, Philippines — To ensure a sufficient and safe blood supply for Filipinos, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) yesterday urged the youth to donate blood.

Sen. Richard Gordon, who chairs the PRC, assured the public that donating blood is safe despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

“People’s need for blood does not stop. The PRC will always be open to help. The blood that you will donate today will save lives tomorrow,” Gordon said.

The PRC is celebrating today World Blood Donor Day by raising national awareness on the need for blood.

Gordon encouraged the youth to voluntarily donate blood every three months and inspire others to do the same.

“The PRC is observing strict health protocols during blood donation. All our technical staff are tested for COVID regularly to ensure the safety of blood donors,” he said.

Interested blood donors may visit the 104 Red Cross chapters and 98 blood service facilities nationwide or contact hotline 143 for inquiries.

Gordon said the PRC remains one of the top contributors of safe blood supply in the country.

“Blood is a true humanitarian gift that can only be given by one human being to another. Let us give blood and help save lives,” he said.