More than a hundred professionals heeded the call of Pfizer Philippines Foundation, Inc. (PPFI) to participate in its blood donation drive held recently at the Executive Lounge of the Ayala Life-FGU Center in Makati City.
Dubbed "A Little Pain, A Life to Gain…Give Blood", the annual project is a joint undertaking of Pfizer with the Department of Health through The National Voluntary Blood Services Program (NVBSP) in support of Republic Act 7719, otherwise known as the Blood Services Act of 1994.
The Blood Services Act aims to provide, adequate, safe, affordable and equitable distribution of supply of blood and blood products and to mobilize all sectors of the community to participate in mechanisms for voluntary and non-profit collection of blood.
During his welcome speech, PPFI President and Pfizer's Medical and Regulatory Affairs Director, Dr. Anthony Leachon thanked the individuals who took time from their busy schedules to support the drive. "Through this project, we hope to promote and encourage voluntary blood donation by the citizenry and to instill public consciousness of the principle that blood donation is a humanitarian act. Your simple donation of blood could very well save someone else's life."
Among those who benefit from the program are patients suffering from shock, who have lost 20% or more of blood in an accident, those who suffer blood loss in surgery, leukemia, childbirth, major trauma, liver transplants and hemophilia.
Since it's enactment in May 1994, the NVBSP has been working hand in hand with other government and private agencies to promote voluntary blood donation.
Also present during the event was DOH-NVBSP Officer-in-charge Dr. Exaltacion Caringal who cited Pfizer for its annual effort to help the DOH blood donation program. Actor / TV Personality RJ Rosales also lent his support to the campaign.
The total volume of blood collected during the event, according to DOH, was enough to save about 180 lives.
