Mayor Martinez lauded Santa Marcela MHO for exceeding target blood collection rate in 2023

Santa Marcela, Apayao - Reiterating the crucial role of the health unit in the well-being of her constituents, Mayor Evelyn Martinez of Santa Marcela commended the Municipal Health Office for exceeding its target blood collection rate in 2023.

The personnel of said unit, in their commitment to saving lives, reported that they have persistently conducted blood collection activities to ensure an ample supply for constituents whenever the need arises.

Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of MHU, Ellaine Balnao, mentioned on Thursday that their blood collection efforts in 2023 exceeded their 1 percent target output for the total population of the municipality, reaching 1.38 percent.

This translated to 206 blood donors, contributing various blood types stored at the blood bank account at the Far North Luzon General Hospital and Training Center (FNLGHTC) in Luna, Apayao.

This information was disclosed during the Local Health Board meeting at the EKB clubhouse in the LGU compound on January 22, 2024.

OIC Dr. Balnao explained to Guru Press Cordillera how they adopted strategic approaches to achieve this output.

"Through Community-based Mobile Blood Donation, we reached out to the community. Instead of staying in one place for collection, we went to different barangays for better community access," she stated.

"This year, we aim for 1% or more of the total population of Santa Marcela. We reached that target in 2023 and hope for the same result or higher this year," Balnao added.

In a statement, Mayor Martinez emphasized how this endeavor benefits the donors and encouraged Barangay officials to help boost blood collection in the municipality.

Meanwhile, Committee on Health Sangguniang Bayan member Edna Calban shared how frequent meetings are held to address issues promptly, ensuring that operations are not impeded.

This intensified effort by MHO in collaboration with LGU Santa Marcela, Provincial Government of Apayao, barangay health workers, Provincial DOH Office (PDOHO), DOH Provincial Health Office, and Far North Luzon General Hospital and Training Center (FNLGHTC) is dedicated to providing Santa Marcela residents with readily available blood reserves for medical cases requiring blood transfusion.