… or more commonly known to Filipinos as Blood Donation.

Usually, we have programs here in the Philippines, whether be it by some government agencies or private organizations, doing some Bloodletting Program for a cause. This activity is usually in partnership with Philippine National Red Cross or any medical establishments like hospitals. I attempted to join and donate some liters of blood but never had the courage. I am not even aware of my blood type yet. But once I donated some blood with Red Cross, I can have blood in exchange when I need it. Well, that’s not it - having blood supply in return.

Really blood saves lives and blood is considered to the most precious fluid. And donating blood, I say, is a noble act. Recipients of the bloods are not only the fortunate but the donors as well. Science proves that it has incredible health benefits by donating blood.

Blood donation removes some of the excess iron which can cause free radical formation in the body. In fact, studies have shown that men who donate blood on a regular basis have a lower risk of heart disease. With heart disease being the number one cause of death in males, this is, indeed, an important health benefit of donating blood.
[ source: http://www.healthmad.com/Health/The-Incredible-Health-Benefits-of-Donating-Blood.85641 ]

Maybe next time when I am invited for a Bloodletting Program, I will not hesitate to do so. Hope you too can share blood and start saving lives.

Jerome R. Locson

Editors Note: When sign-up for the online Philippines Blood Registry - you are not donating blood to some form of ‘blood bank’ anonymous pool. You are registering to potentially donate fresh blood in the event that a specific individual needs blood due to an accident – operation – illness.

In essence, you are placing yourself ‘on call’ for those in need in the form of an online ‘directory’. If you know anyone in the medical field in your area – advise them of the Registry’s availability. They are the one’s who have to deal first hand with the emergency.

Think about organizing a ‘Sign-Up’ party at your school, business organization or government office. You can download and print a small poster here for your bulletin board.