Ensuring a safe, adequate, and accessible blood supply, the Department of Health-Eastern Visayas Center for Health Department conducted the annual Blood Olympics on May 2, 2024, which aims to collect blood units from various schools in Region 8. This yearโs theme is โDugo han Kabataan, Halad para ha Sinirangan,” as attained by the National Voluntary Blood Services Program (NVBSP).
The EVSU-OC Red Cross Youth, in partnership with the EVSU student body, faculty, and staff, organized the event, which attracted a sizable number of volunteers who were enthusiastic to support the cause. Volunteers from a range of stakeholders, such as the Ormoc City Health Office, representatives from the Department of Health (DOH), and city health workers from the Local Government Unit (LGU),.
Under the supervision of Jimenine Anne L. Parrilla, Nurse 1 and National Voluntary Blood Service Program Coordinator, and with the gracious acknowledgment of Mr. Allan Mabitad and Dr. Beatrice D. Mabitad for the use of the demo room, the aim of the gathering was clear: to collect 2000 packs of blood annually. This initiative not only highlights the spirit of giving within the community but also underscores the critical need for blood donations to support healthcare services and save lives.
The bloodletting program at EVSU-OC has grown into a yearly event that provides support to nearby hospitals and healthcare facilities. These occasions are essential to ensuring that medical facilities have enough blood on hand to satisfy patient needs, especially in an emergency, as blood shortages are a perennial concern.
As participants rolled up their sleeves and donated blood, they exemplified the spirit of compassion and selflessness, leaving a lasting impact and reinforcing the importance of such initiatives in sustaining healthcare services.
