Grand Bloodletting 2018 1st Coordination Meeting
The first coordination meeting of the Grand Bloodletting 2018, a joint endeavor of the Philippine Red Cross, Rotary Club of Cebu, Department of Health (DOH), Cebu Chamber of Commerce Industry (CCCI), Philippines Air Force, Cebu City Police Office (CCPO), and representatives from Robinsons Galleria was held on July 29, 2018 at the Casino Español de Cebu.
The meeting covered plans and concerns regarding the upcoming Grand Bloodletting on July 29, 2018 to be held at Robinsons Galleria Cebu.
In the meeting, issues about blood being commercialized by private hospitals was raised. Representatives from the DOH and Philippine Red Cross also said that they wanted to make the donated blood free for patients in order for everyone to have equal chances.
According to regulation, patients will only have to pay for the screening of the blood and nothing more than that.
The government is aiming that in 2022 100% of blood source will come from voluntary donations to give equal opportunity for patients who need blood.
Things to do before donating blood were also discussed, including but not limited to: at least a six-hour resting period for donors and no fatty foods and alcohol intake 24 hours prior the donation. Smoking is also to be avoided before the donation. More than that, donors should weigh at least 50 kilograms. Ages ranging from 16 to 65 years old could also donate, however minors need their parents’ consent in order to do so.
A standard screening procedure will be conducted before blood can be donated. Among the screening examinations are an HIV test, Hepatitis B and C tests, and tests for other diseases. Results of said tests will be confidential.
In the meeting, the things that will be used for the Grand Bloodletting were discussed. 32 beds were initially planned to be used in the event to accommodate the people who want to donate. 38 medical personnel are initially said to be deployed in the Bloodletting campaign with the help of volunteer Rotarians in the event.
July is Blood Donor’s Month. The Grand Bloodletting 2018 will be on July 29 with the theme “Be there for someone else. Give blood. Share life.”
Last year’s Bloodletting was a success. Philippine Red Cross qualified 132 among the 185 donors who were screened. (Aljun Cainghog with reports from Gabriel Bumanglag)
