Blood Donation Drive is in the house: In partnership with DOH VII Blood Center
The MHAM CM Student Council conducted a whole-day Blood Donation Drive at the MHAM Library Extension last February 22, 2017.
Donor Regine Ann Piezas during the Blood Donation Drive
Started at nine in the morning, the Blood Letting Activity was in partnership with the Department of Health (DOH) VII Blood Center composed with medical staff, volunteers and interns from different medical universities.
“Being here as a donor is my ultimate way to help others with the thought that from a pint of blood I can save one’s life towards the right to live and to see life at its fullest”, said Regine Ann Piezas with an elated smile.
Piezas, a sophomore student, was among the selfless donors during the Blood Donation Drive within the MHAM premises. It was her second time to donate blood and is still willing to become a donor in the future.
Based from the DOH team record, eighty-four MHAM students participated in answering the call for blood donation but only sixty-one were qualified for the eligibility criteria, braving the challenge with a sense of selflessness in saving lives and beyond.
The Blood Letting Activity was one of the main projects of the Student Council in tie-up with the Department of Health.
MHAM-DOH: A partnership in saving lives
To qualify to become a donor, one must maintain a healthy iron level by eating iron-rich foods diet such as red meat, a good night sleep, eating a healthy meal and drinking an extra sixteen ounces of water or non-alcoholic fluids before the blood-letting activity and above all, one must be at least fifty kilos in weight.
The DOH VII team with MHAM CM outgoing Student Council Governor Datu Nur-Jhun Salik
According to outgoing Student Council Governor Datu Nur-Jhun Salik, the need for blood is constant, so is the need of donors. Everyday, public hospitals like VSMMC and other hospitals nearby need blood and blood components to treat patients, since most surgical interventions and a great number of medical procedures require blood transfusion.
Leader in action: Outgoing SC Governor Datu Nur-Jhun Salik
“This is most probably one of the highlights of the Student Council projects before the year ends, but we are also looking forward for the pending projects to materialize. Before I leave the office as the governor this year, I want the students to realize how the SC officers put much effort on the activities and projects that we lay down on them. We may not be able to reach their utmost expectations, but at least we have served with much dedication and put priority on things that will benefit the majority”, said Salik.
This active leader also expressed his gratitude to all concerned students especially to the SC officers who made the SC projects worthwhile. “I am always grateful for the undying support from my co-officers and co-students as well in realizing this particular project. By grace, perseverance and strength, we were able to make this eventful day a possible one”, he added.
The Blood Letting Activity was also assisted by the MHAM CM Senior Clerks who were responsible at the registration and admission area.
Soon-to-be doctors: The MHAM CM Senior Clerks with outgoing SC Executive Vice President Geemarlyn Omar
Meanwhile, DOH VII representative Stephany Acebedo said that the noble mission was part of their service to conduct Blood Letting Activity with MHAM for several years now. “This activity is conducted twice a year with MHAM and these blood units which will be collected today will be used for the patients especially to public hospitals who are in urgent need. We are grateful to MHAM for having us here for this purpose as we, at DOH have still to cope up for the high demand for blood transfusion and that the deficiency will be lessen”, said Acebedo in an interview.
With DOH VII representative Stephany Acebedo during the Blood Letting Activity
Today, various hospitals and clinics are in constant need of blood for different purposes, just to give hope for those who have battled and won and to those still fighting for life. Moreover, it is noteworthy that many individuals responded the call to donate blood in order to help others, especially those who are battling for life.
Smile for life is something that a blood donor gave away…
A total of sixty-one bags were collected from the Blood Donation Drive which ended up at four in the afternoon. Needless to say, the MHAM student-donors can become the reason behind someone’s life. (Ana Liza Abao)