The Philippine Red Cross  is  appealing to  local government units in Negros Oriental that were not affected  by tropical storm “Sendong” to organize bloodletting activities.

Administrator Louella Bael of the Provincial PRC office  said the local chapter is  experiencing a severe crisis in blood supply. She said they had  zero blood supply since the middle of December 2011,  after “Sendong”  affected at least 10  areas  in the province.

At present they only have a few bags of type AB+ blood, she said.

Bael admitted that the months of December and January are considered lean months for blood supply,  because of the holiday season. But she said it was surprising that they have zero blood supply,  except for type AB+ since December.

She said  they cannot serve several requests for blood,  because their  reserve is given only to Red Cross donors.

Bael said she  believes t the scarcity in blood supply is due to  the after-effects of “Sendong”  that affected  majority of the residents in Dumaguete and other neighboring towns.

Valencia, one of the champion towns in bloodletting activity, was also  devastated by massive flooding. Its  Mayor,  Enrique Gonzalez, said he will continue the bloodletting on February 14 as a regular activity of the town. He said there are other areas not affected by flood, and  their people can still donate blood.

Bael encouraged  other local government units, civic groups or even individuals who are willing to donate blood to visit their office. The blood they donate will go a long way in helping those who  need  it, she added.*JFP/MA

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