The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) on Tuesday, December 16, called on the public to continue donating blood during the holiday season, warning that the annual “lean months” often lead to fewer donors even as hospitals maintain a steady demand for blood for emergencies and medical treatments.

In a statement, PRC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Richard J. Gordon said that while the organization is not facing a blood shortage, sustaining adequate reserves during the holidays requires consistent public participation.

“We are not facing a shortage,” Gordon explained. However, he noted that during the holidays, “fewer people” come in to donate.

“Emergencies, surgeries, childbirth, and cancer treatments do not take a holiday, so we encourage Filipinos to keep blood donation in mind during this season of giving,” he added.

The PRC noted that blood donations typically decline toward the end of the year as schools close, office-based blood drives pause, and families focus on travel and year-end activities.

This seasonal slowdown, the PRC explained, increases reliance on walk-in donors and community volunteers to keep blood supplies at safe levels nationwide.

PRC Secretary General Dr. Gwen Pang said blood collections usually stagnate or decrease from December through late January, even as hospitals continue to schedule surgeries and treat patients with ongoing medical needs.

“During the holiday season, many people travel, celebrate, and adjust their routines, which often means that fewer blood donors come forward,” Pang said.

She noted that from December through late January, blood collections usually “stagnate or decline,” yet the need for blood remains constant.

“While the PRC has a stable blood supply, many patients schedule surgeries during this period,” Pang said, noting that others continue ongoing treatments such as dialysis and cancer care or face emergency cases such as accidents and hemorrhages. “By donating blood, we can offer someone the true gift of life this season,” she added.

The PRC encouraged healthy individuals aged 16 to 65 to donate blood at the nearest Red Cross blood donation center or through mobile blood drives.

Prospective donors are advised to get enough rest, eat before donating, and bring a valid ID.

The PRC stressed that continued donations during the lean months help ensure hospitals have steady access to safe and sufficient blood, particularly during emergencies when every second matters.

Information on blood donation sites and scheduled drives is available on the official social media pages of the PRC. The public may also contact their nearest PRC chapter.