PH Red Cross highlights importance of blood donation during holiday season
There is an increased number of accidents and emergencies during the holiday season, hence the need for adequate or more blood supply in blood centers, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) said on Saturday, Dec. 24.

This sufficiency in blood supply will be achieved through continuous donation even during the holiday season, the organization noted.
"Ngayong holiday season ay mas tataas ang kaso ng mga aksidente kaya mas marami sa ating mga kababayan ang mangangangailangn ng dugo (The number of accidents will increase this holiday season so more of our countrymen will need blood)," said PRC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Richard Gordon.
He also encouraged healthy individuals to donate blood at PRC centers and blood-collecting units.
This initiative will serve as a gift and hope for people who will need it, said Gordon.
PRC reported a decline in blood donations during this period due to the busy schedules of people.
"According to the PRC Blood Services, each unit of blood donated can generate one unit each of red blood cells, plasma and platelets. Each component can be transfused to several patients depending on the components required to treat their particular condition," the organization said.
Among the benefits of blood donation are reduced risk of heart and liver disease, lower risk of cancer, creation of new blood cells, and lower cholesterol levels.
Interested donors may contact PRC National Blood Services at [email protected] or contact the PRC Blood Call Center.
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