ABCC CAMPAIGNS FOR BLOOD SUPPLY

ABCC CAMPAIGNS

FOR BLOOD SUPPLY

The Aklan Blood Coordinating Council (ABCC) in the recent Kapihan sa Aklan, hosted by Mr. Joselito Edwin Ramos of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) last July 11, 2015 at Carmen Hotel, Kalibo, Aklan pushes for more quality blood supply in Aklan.

From the report of the Phil. Red Cross – Aklan Chapter, there is a total collection of 4,650 units in 2014. At present, the record shows that from January to June 2015, it now reaches 2,466 units out of the target collection of 5,500 units for 2015.  Dr. Cynthia C. Dela Cruz, a board member of ABCC and Committee Chair of Blood Services of PRC – Aklan said, “We need the cooperation of the LGU’s and the community.”

 

Ms. Melanie Rogan Rojo, the Chapter Service Representative-Blood Services of PRC Aklan informed the public that blood itself is free but it has processing costs. In view of this, there is an increased in the processing fee of blood unit effective June 2015. She said the increase will be as follows: P300 increase from P1,500 to P1,800, whole blood processing fee; packed red blood cells, from P1,100 to P1,500; and from P700 to P1,000 for platelets and other components. She added that the increase is made to cover the high cost of reagent they use in testing blood samples and other operational expenses.

The Provincial Blood Coordinator, Mr. Roger Debuque likewise informed that there will be a province wide bloodletting activity on July 20, 2015 at the ABL Sports complex, Kalibo, Aklan. The event is in support to the celebration of World Donor’s Month this July. There will be a motorcade from 7:30 AM from Dr. Rafael S. Tumbokon Memorial Hospital (DRSTTMH) to ABL Sports complex. The theme of this year’s Blood Donor’s Month is, “Thank you for Saving my Life.”

The LGU’s who conducted Mobile Blood Donation program for 2015 are: Once for Kalibo, Altavas, Numancia, Makato, Ibajay and New Washington, while twice for Banga, Batan, Balete, Malinao and Tangalan. Malay MDRRMO initiated once their own MBD, too. Other LGUs which are yet to conduct MBD’s are Nabas, Lezo, Buruanga, Madalag and Libacao.

The ABCC was re-organized in 2010 in response to the call for sufficient and stable blood supply in Aklan. The need to organize the Aklan Blood Coordinating Council is pursuant to Department of Health (DOH) Administrative Order No. 2010-0002 dated January 7, 2010 requiring every region, province and highly urbanized cities to establish and operate a Local Blood Council (LBC) to Support the Implementation of the National Voluntary Blood Service Program (NVBSP) for Blood Safety and Adequacy, Quality Care and Patient Safety.             

The ABCC was established to support the implementation of the National Voluntary Blood Services Program for Blood Safety and Adequacy, Quality Care and Patient Safety, of which its policy shall apply to all community based organizations which are established and operated to promote voluntary donation. This Voluntary Blood Donation program is encouraged in districts, municipalities and barangays.

The structural organization of the organization shall be based on a membership of various community sectors such as Local Government Units (LGU), hospitals, PRC, Health Professional Associations, schools, military and police establishments, civic/religious organizations, and mass media. It is organized as a non-profit, non-government, multi-sectoral group with members coming from the government and private sectors of the local community committed to support the blood program by planning and implementing a local blood donation program (LBDP) in accordance with the Department of Health policies and guidelines.

The current ABCC President, Ms. Melrose “Megs” S. Lunn pushes for more vigilant donor volunteers of quality blood supply by sharing its campaign slogan – “DUGO MO, BUHAY KO.” She encourages everyone to volunteer to donate blood and help save lives.  She said, “There are many ways to donate for humanitarian purpose. If you are not able to donate blood, you can also apply for membership to the Philippine Red Cross for a minimum registration fee while covered with insurance worldwide.”

ABCC will also ensure adequate supply of blood through promotion of voluntary blood donation, mobilize human sources/facilities/financial support for local public education, donor recruitment program, organize mobile/mass blood donation (MBD) activities in coordination with authorized Blood Collection Unit (BCU) within Aklan, and assist the local blood services network in public education. /MP