In partnership with the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) - Davao City Chapter, the Davao Philippines Stake (diocese) of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints conducted a bloodletting activity on June 19 and 26, 2021, at the PRC Building in Davao City.
With the Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) in place, public health protocols were strictly implemented during the 2-day event. Donors were transported directly to the PRC Building instead of the local meetinghouse.
Sheira Nikka Schlegel, a first-time blood donor, shared how the experience changed her perspective on blood donation. She said, "I realized that even just a single bag of blood could save a life. It has motivated me to donate consistently to create a difference for somebody".
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Rizh El Abellano, PRC Davao Blood Donation Recruitment Officer, expressed his gratitude to the event organizers, including the Church. He said, "We are very thankful, and we will always appreciate the efforts of the organizers. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is one of our regular partners in organizing blood donation activities and one of our largest producers of blood donors".
Abellano disclosed that Davao City faced a 60-65% decline in the total blood collection in the year 2020 up until the first five months of 2021. He also emphasized that people must recognize that blood donation has not become less significant during the COVID-19 pandemic. He added, "There are many diseases that will need blood as part of the treatment. Amidst the pandemic, blood donation should never stop."
With the ongoing need for a sufficient amount of blood supply in the city, the Church continues to conduct bloodletting activities as part of its social effort to help the community.
Speaking of this, Davao Philippines Stake President Rizaldito Castro expressed, "This bloodletting activity is just one way we share our love to those people who are in need, especially those in the hospitals. We see this as an opportunity to be of help to them. We hope that the recipients will feel loved, as this is what the Savior has taught - that love should radiate from all of us."
For over a decade, the Church has actively supported blood donation initiatives with PRC Davao, donating hundreds of blood bags throughout its long-standing collaboration.