16/10/2023
Blood letting activity ♥️
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐥𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐦: 𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐁𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞
In the heart of the Philippines, a silent crisis persists, one that often goes unnoticed until a life hangs in the balance. The nation is grappling with a severe shortage of blood, a problem that poses a life-threatening challenge for patients in need. As the gap between the demand for blood and its availability widens, the call for blood donation has never been more urgent.
𝗔 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗗𝗼𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗟𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀
In this connection, members of the St. Catherine de Alexandria Savings & Credit Cooperative (SACADA) took part in the municipal-wide bloodletting activity held on October 15, 2023 at the Municipal Gymnasium, Poblacion, Sta. Catalina, Ilocos Sur. The event organized, by the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Sta. Catalina, Rural Health Unit (RHU), and the Provincial Health Office - Department of Health collected a total of 33 bags of blood from volunteers of Sta. Catalina, Ilocos Sur, thus making a notable contribution to the local blood bank of Ilocos Sur.
One distinguishing feature of this event was the provision of free wellness check-ups for all blood donors. This comprehensive approach to health and wellness aligns with the LGU-RHU's overarching goal of promoting the welfare of its residents. The organizer's dedication to the health of its residents was evident as it ensured their well-being throughout the whole process.
Adding a touch of hospitality to the event, the SACADA graciously served free nutritious moringa noodles (a Proud Product of Sta. Catalina), "dila-dila" and bottled water to all blood donors and volunteers. This thoughtful gesture provided nourishment and hydration, elevating the overall experience and ensuring everyone left the event feeling well taken care of.
Sangguniang Bayan Membe (SBM) Aurea R. Oandasan, Chair Committee on Health, and a member of the SACADA, lauded the cooperative and the entire community for their outstanding support. She remarked, "I am deeply proud of our cooperative's active role in this essential event. It's a job well done by our members as well as all volunteers of Sta. Catalina, showing what we can achieve when we come together for a common cause."
Municipal Health Officer (MHO) Dr. Mary Christine V. Villar, a respected figure in the local healthcare community, expressed also her gratitude to the cooperative on behalf of the RHU, "The SACADA has set a remarkable example for community involvement. Their participation in blood donation and their provision of nutritious snacks to donors and volunteers is invaluable. It not only helps save lives but also showcases the strong community spirit of Sta. Catalina."
On the part of the blood donor, Ms. Olivia R. Ragasa, a retired nurse by profession, a Senior Citizen as well as the Treasurer of the SACADA, has been a regular blood donor up to now despite of age. She believes that blood is the lifeline of healthcare. It is crucial for surgeries, cancer treatments, trauma cases, blood transfusion, and childbirth, among other medical procedures. "Blood is meant to circulate. Pass it on! Every drop counts and your blood donation can save lives!' she added.
The successful participation of the cooperative in the municipal-wide blood donation drive serves as an inspiration for other community organizations and highlights the immense impact that individuals and groups can have when they work together. It emphasizes the cooperative's unwavering dedication to promoting community health and well-being!
