Red Cross boosts blood collection efforts after shortage

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) on Monday said it has started working double time to collect more blood in preparation to the anticipated rise in firecracker-related injuries during the New Year celebration. PNRC chairman and Sen. Richard Gordon said the agency experienced a shortage in blood supply last Sunday due to a high demand for blood from dengue patients and the lack of donors. "We had a shortage of blood supply yesterday. We have a very long holiday. Very few donors go to us to donate blood," said Gordon, who was in a blood letting activity at the Philippine Coast Guard. Gordon said upon learning of the shortage, he immediately urged the PCG and the Philippine Air Force to ask its members to donate blood. He said the officials responded positively to his request. At least 107 PCG members volunteered to donate blood Monday but Gordon said only half of it will be utilized as normally some of the volunteers will be found afflicted with disease or illness. "We need to work double time. We need to have sufficient supply for the New Year," Gordon said. Gordon said they expect an increased demand for blood supply on New Year's eve due to firecracker blasts, vehicular accidents and other related emergencies. He said the PNRC chapters nationwide are now reporting to him every eight hours to update him on the status of blood supply in their respective areas. "We need to have a standby of 5,000 units of blood all over the country. Mas mabuti na ang sobra kaysa kulang (It is better to have more than enough supply)," Gordon said. - Amita Legaspi, GMANews.TV