The Philippine Red Cross-Baguio is encouraging the public to donate blood regularly.

During the “Give blood, live more” bloodletting event sponsored by Smart Communications, PRC-Baguio Administrator Anastacia Tamayo encouraged everyone to become regular blood donors to make the supply of blood in the city sufficient.

Tamayo said there should be adequate supply of blood and it should be available any time it is needed especially during emergency situations or during disasters.

The activity drew more than 50 voluntary blood donors comprised of Medical Technology students, Smart employees, and media practitioners.

Smart Community Care Specialist Niña Escaño said they conducted a one-day bloodletting event in partnership with the University of Baguio Medical Technology Department and the PRC to promote voluntary blood donation among their employees and the students.

Now on its third year, the activity, which is one of the company’s corporate social responsibility projects, also aims to help address the increasing number of dengue patients in the city and nearby provinces.

Escaño added the blood donation is in line with celebration of the Blood Donors Month this July. 

As part of the Blood Donors Month, Tamayo said the PRC will be conducting several trainings on first aid and basic life support to let people be prepared during the emergencies and disasters.

The PRC will also be recognizing next week its members including the academe, government and non-government organizations as well as individuals who continue to support the institution.  

Earlier, the PRC Baguio and the city government launched the local blood council, which also serves as the regional blood center in Cordillera.

The council hopes to increase the number of individuals who will voluntarily donate blood.