BLOOD DONORS
Welcome to the Philippines! Living in a different country can be a rewarding and challenging experience. One challenge (that we hope you never face) is that you or a loved one may find yourselves in an emergency health situation, possibly requiring a blood transfusion. Hospital Blood Banks are safe but are not "stocked" with available blood and blood products in the same manner as in the USA. Members with type RH (-) blood are the most at risk. Please know that if you face this issue, The American Women's Club of the Philippines Blood Donor Program is here to assist you.
About AWCP Blood Donor Program
Our Blood Donor Program was established in 1979 to assist AWCP members and their families during emergency situations. We do not maintain a blood bank; however, we maintain a confidential membership listing that can include you and/or your spouse to contact for donation should the need arise. Inclusion on the AWCP donor list is requested when you first join the AWCP - but you can always stop by our table at the monthly AWCP general meetings to sign up later or to get the latest educational information. However, your decision to donate blood when requested is a voluntary and private choice. It will also depend on factors such as your current health, medication status, and your personal beliefs and values. Even if you have never donated blood before, it is well worth considering it here in the Philippines because of the current countrywide situation. You will be providing a safe lifeline to those in need among members of your AWCP network and the community at large.
Please Sign Up to be a Donor
Our donor list is in constant need of new volunteers because our membership is highly mobile. To be sure we have adequate resources, donors of all blood types are needed in our database - especially those with the Rh- factor. Negative factor blood types are very rare in the Philippines (< 1% of the population are Rh negative), and in the Asian population in general. So, if you or family members are Rh negative, please 1) be informed about blood resources available, and 2) register with the AWCP Blood Donor Program.
What's your blood type?
Do you know the answer to that question? How about knowing your family's (spouse or children) blood types? If you don't know your blood type, we'll be happy to perform a simple blood typing procedure on the spot at our monthly AWCP general meeting or we can recommend a health clinic.
In an Emergency
Keep in mind that the Blood Donor Program is also available for you, should the need arise for you or a family member to require blood transfusion. If you need emergency help, please phone the blood donor chair or co-chair. She will address your questions and, if necessary, do her best to use the listing and find a willing donor from our membership list.
