The Department of Health (DOH) is engaging key stakeholders and partner-facilities in establishing a strong and sustainable blood program network for the Negros Island Region (NIR).

Data showed 26,337 total blood units were collected from January to June this year across the region, comprising Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, Siquijor, and highly-urbanized Bacolod City.

There were 13,396 units of blood collection in the first quarter and 12,941 units in the second quarter.

In a report, the DOH-NIR said the establishment of the blood program services in the NIR was discussed during the initial inter-regional integrative meeting held in Dumaguete City earlier this month.

“This initiative is a vital step in strengthening blood services and ensuring a safe, reliable and sufficient blood supply for the people of the Negros Island Region,” it added.

To achieve a strong and sustainable blood program network for the region, the DOH-NIR said key stakeholders in blood services were gathered.

They are the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital and the Negros First Provincial Blood Center, both based in Bacolod City and their respective blood services networks in the city and Negros Occidental; and the Sub-National Blood Center for Visayas and its partner-facilities.

The meeting, co-facilitated by the DOH Disease Prevention and Control Bureau-National Voluntary Blood Services Program, was held in collaboration with the DOH Western Visayas and Central Visayas regional health offices. (PNA)