Provincial Government of La Union (PGLU) employees, registered as potential blood donors, were screened in celebration of World Blood Donor Day held at the Diego Silang Hall, Provincial Capitol, City of San Fernando, La Union on June 14, 2019.
The whole-day bloodletting activity was spearheaded by the Provincial Health Office (PHO) in partnership with La Union Medical Center (LUMC). The event serves to raise awareness on the need for regular blood donations to ensure that all individuals and communities have access to affordable and timely supply of safe and quality-assured blood and blood products, as an integral part of Universal Health Coverage and a key component of an effective health system.
Prior to the activity, the Governor requested the respective offices to submit names of interested potential donors to the PHO and advised them on the basic requirements to become a successful donor.
In preparation for scheduled blood donation, interested donors were advised that they must be well rested, eat a full meal, and drink plenty of non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated beverages. They were also reminded to refrain from heavy lifting, drinking alcohol, and smoking for several hours after donation. Blood typing of the successful donors were done by Medical Technologists from PHO and LUMC.
The La Union Medical Center is the official blood bank of the PGLU. It is necessary to guard and grow the blood supply and continue to actively recruit new donors, as well as encourage the return of prior donors to become regular donors in order to meet the medical needs of our ageing population.#