Bloodletting project by GMA Kapuso Foundation to be held on Aug. 17 in QC

A bloodletting project by the GMA Kapuso Foundation in collaboration with the Philippine Red Cross will be held on Saturday, Aug. 17, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., at Ever Gotesco Mall Commonwealth Center in Quezon City.

The Sagip Dugtong Buhay Bloodletting Project regularly holds blood donation drives to help various Filipino patients in need of blood transfusions.

In a report on "24 Oras," Friday, Dr. Gwen Pang, secretary general of the Philippine Red Cross, said that donating blood is crucial because there's a huge demand for it in the country.

"Ang blood donation ay napakahalaga kasi sa Pilipinas ang laki ng ating demand para sa dugo. Marami tayong pasyente na nag-u-undergo ng surgery, operation, 'yung mga may sakit," she said.

Women who are on their period can donate blood as long as they have been examined by a medical doctor, per Pang.

Meanwhile, those who have recently gotten tattooed can donate blood after one year.

Individuals with hypertension and diabetes can also donate their blood, provided that their conditions are controlled. According to Pang, the blood pressure readings and laboratory tests of those with hypertension and diabetes must be normal before they can donate.

A total of 8,653 blood bags have been collected under the Sagip Dugtong Buhay Bloodletting Project from January 23 to July 2024.

— CDC, GMA Integrated News