SOLANO, Nueva Vizcaya—A regional blood summit here recently revealed the huge support from various agencies in the provinces of Ifugao, Quirino, Isabela and Nueva Vizcaya, boosting the multi-sectoral support and capability in sustaining the area’s Blood Donation Program.
George Basilio, Health Education and Promotions officer of the Veterans Regional Hospital in Bayombong town, said the Southern Blood Services Zone, organized with only 11 founding members, has grown to 65 member-agencies.
The SBSZ was organized a few years ago to strengthen the networking efforts of public and private hospitals, medical centers, local government units and civil society organizations in sustaining the availability of blood supply.
“The SBSZ serves as a network of blood donors and medical practitioners who are involved in supplementation and complementation of blood supply demand and availability for the needy. It has grown a lot after its creation a few years ago,” Basilio said.
He said the recent Regional Blood Summit at the Highlander Hotel and Resort here has generated more than 310 participants from the four provinces.
From the figure, 92 were awardees, while 65 were recognized for their full support and assistance to the SBSZ, Basilio said.
The SBSZ at present has 30 blood screening facilities that are in charge of collecting, screening and storing donated blood from various sources.
“In this way, we are assured of the availability of blood supply anytime of the day, especially during disasters and natural calamities,” Basilio said.