Chan urges residents to donate blood

CEBU, Philippines —  The Lapu-Lapu City government will hold a blood donation drive tomorrow, July 16, in response to those who desperately need red blood cells and plasma.

Mayor Junard Chan will be the first to donate blood this Thursday to lead other donors.

“Kuyog ako kaninyo nga mag-donate usab sa akong plasma kay dako kaayo ikatabang ang plasma gikan sa mga COVID survivors nga sama nako nga adunay igong antibodies nga mopatay sa virus (I am with you in this donation activity. I will donate my plasma because plasma from COVID survivors like me have enough antibodies to kill the virus),” read Chan’s statement on the social media.

“Ako usab gi-encourage ang uban pang mga COVID survivors nga moapil sa maong kalihukan (I am encouraging survivors to join in the donation drive),” Chan said.

The city’s voluntary blood-letting activity is in answer to the growing demand for blood, especially among COVID-19 patients and those hit by dengue.

Chan said that COVID-19 survivors who wish to donate blood must be 18 to 65 years of age; weigh more than 50 kilograms; must have the result of a swab test that is negative; and must have at least 14 days without any symptoms of the ailment.

Female COVID-19 survivors must not have experienced pregnancy before and must not have donated blood before.

In his post, he stated that this blood donation drive is the city government’s initiative, with the support of the Department of Health, Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas and the Philippine Red Cross.

Chan urged qualified constituents to join the city’s blood donation drive.

The city strongly urges donors who will donate to strictly observe health protocol, like social distancing and wearing of face mask, in the activity that will start at 9 am and until 3 p.m.

“Atong ipakita ang atong pagkamatinabangaon taliwala sa pandemia. Be a hero, donate blood, save lives,” the mayor said.  JMD (FREEMAN)