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Guv stresses need for blood supply, cites current dengue scare in Negros

A provincial government-led National Blood Donors’ Month caravan in Bacolod City Tuesday, August 2.*

“To prevent a significant draw down of blood supply, a well-organized blood service is necessary to meet blood necessities, especially in times of crisis,” Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson stressed on Tuesday, August 23.

Lacson, who spoke at the National Blood Donors’ Month and Blood Olympics 2022 rites at the Negros Residences in Bacolod City, cited the need for blood supply, especially with the current dengue scare.

Negros Occidental had 2,747 dengue cases and 14 deaths from January 1 to July 23, the Department of Health reported Tuesday.

That is a 941 percent increase compared to the number of cases in Negros Occidental in the same period last year, it said.

Bacolod City has 443 dengue cases and seven deaths this year or an increase by 226 percent from last year, the DOH said.

Negros Occidental remains the topnotcher in dengue cases in Western Visayas.

WV has had 7,825 cases and 46 deaths regionwide this year for an increase by 513 percent compared to 2021, it added.

“Right now, we are faced with the dengue scare.  As of today, Negros Occidental has a high number of dengue cases.  Given this scenario, the question is, do we have ample blood supply in case there is a heightened need for blood transfusion among the dengue patients? Yet, dengue, is just among the many situations wherein blood is needed,” Lacson said.

Lacson said according to the Department of Health the focus on the blood donor’s campaign is centered on the importance of blood supply in emergency settings like natural disasters as well as man-made catastrophes.

“The reason that we celebrate National Blood Donors month every year is to remind everyone that blood is life. And while the need for blood is universal, access to blood for those who need it is not,” Lacson said.

The governor called on blood service facilities to deepen the campaign for blood donations.

“The success or failure of our endeavor to save lives, to a great extent, lies on the affectivity of our campaign and advocacy for blood donations.  Engaging blood donors remains to be our lifeline to be able to provide for those in dire need of blood,” Lacson said.

The top performing local government units, non-government organizations and hospitals who excel in blood donation activities were awarded during the program.*

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