Madrigal group holds blood donation drive

By Ana-Liza S. Macatangay

Dubbed as the gift of life, a pint of blood can make a difference, from making someone improve his health to saving his life

In line with this,the Consuelo Chito Madrigal Foundation (CCMF)-Bicol will conduct a Blood Donation Drive on Saturday, Mar. 27 from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Metropolitan Naga Cathedral grounds in Naga City.

Joining the CCMF-Bicol is the Bicol Medical Center (BMC) Blood Bank and Transfusion Services team. The activity endeavors to raise awareness that donating blood will not only make others healthy but will also give the same benefits to the donor. It also encourages voluntarism and promote the value of self-less giving.

The blood donation drive is open to everyone, with the micro-finance members and CHITO home partners as primary participants. CCMF-Bicol scholars, alumni and employees and their families are also enjoined to be part of the event.

Julma Narvadez, CCMF-Bicol Chief Operating Officer (COO), said that the blood drive also aims to ensure availability of safe and ready supply of blood for the needy, especially in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic.

(Photo credits: CCMF-Bicol)

Narvadez said that aside freom helping others, blood donors will also benefit from their selfless act because donating blood lowers their cholesterol level and improves blood circulation. The participants will also receive free health screening.

“The donors are also our priority whenever they need blood for their immediate family members. Aside from that, we believe that donating blood will also provide the donors with the sense of being able to extend help to others as one bag can save up to three persons who are in dire need of it,” Narvadez said.

Volunteer blood donors should be at least 16 to 65 years old, with an average weight not lower than 50kg or 110lbs. Blood pressure should be 90-60 (systolic) and diastolic 60-100. Their hemoglobin should not be lower than 125g/L. The donor should be healthy.

Not allowed to donate are those who are pregnant, with cough and colds, newly operated, with body piercing or tattoos or those who consumed any kind of liquor within 24 hours prior to blood donation.

Also disqualified to donate are those with pre-existing health conditions like cancer, liver and heart ailments, with hepatitis B and C, with HIV infections, and other sexually transmitted diseases.

BMC as partner will also ensure proper screening of the collected blood.

Interested donors may get in touch with Kathleen Castro, CCMF-Bicol Event Organizer at cp number 09774027341 for more details. (PIA5/Camarines Sur)