Manila: In 2016, Shalom Trazona walked into a blood bank not out of choice, but out of urgency. Her cousin needed three bags of blood, and the Philippine Red Cross, following standard protocol, required replacement donors before releasing any. Shalom, alongside her late mother, rolled up her sleeve for the first time - unaware that this single act of necessity would blossom into a deeply personal mission.
According to Philippines News Agency, now 36 and a thriving businesswoman, Shalom is a regular blood donor, having given countless times since that day nearly a decade ago. "At first, I was hesitant," she told the agency. "I had anemia and a heart condition. I thought donating would be risky for my health." But her experience told a different story. Not only did she emerge from each donation stronger, but she also realized that her own health was improving with every act of giving.
What began as a family emergency turned into a deeply rooted personal advocacy. "I felt the need and importance of blood in someone's life, especially when I saw how much my cousin needed it. Since then, it has become part of my yearly routine," she said. While her first donation was for someone close to her, Shalom's subsequent acts have been for strangers-people she may never meet but whose lives may depend on the simple kindness of a selfless act. "It is always my saying in donating blood: it is better to give than to receive," she said with conviction. "I feel so blessed knowing I can help save lives."
According to the Department of Health (DOH) - Philippine Blood Center, blood donors play a vital role in helping patients recover from leukemia, cancer, anemia, and dengue, as well as those undergoing surgery or recovering from accidents. Donating blood not only saves lives-it also offers surprising health benefits to the donor. Bloodletting can contribute to physical wellness. Studies have shown that individuals who donate blood regularly may burn calories-up to 650 for every 450 milliliters of blood donated-making it beneficial for those looking to shed pounds or maintain a healthy weight.
Regular donation lowers cholesterol levels through long bleeding, which reduces excess lipids in the blood. It also helps improve cardiovascular health, stimulating the production of new blood cells and maintaining optimal levels of iron that promote better blood circulation and support heart function in turn. Beyond physical wellness, donating blood can also improve a person's emotional well-being, as the sense of purpose gained from helping others can uplift a person's mood.
Bloodletting is generally safe, but has mild risks such as temporary pain, bruising, bleeding at the collection site, or dizziness. Resting for at least 15 minutes after donating is advised. The process, once daunting and unfamiliar to Shalom, has become second nature. "Before, it took a lot of time for checking. But now that I donate every three months, the process has become quicker and easier," she said. "A small act of kindness can bring a smile to someone. And when you donate blood, you're not just giving away a bag of red liquid. You're giving someone a second chance," she added.
The DOH has basic qualifications for blood donation to protect the health and safety of both donors and recipients. Donors must be in good health and weigh at least 110 pounds (50 kg.). Individuals aged 16 to 65 years old are eligible to donate, provided their systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings fall within normal limits. Regular blood donation must be spaced at least three months apart. The DOH also advises donors to eat a well-balanced meal at least four hours before giving blood.
The agency also conducts free physical examinations during bloodletting events. These include blood pressure checks and screenings for transmissible infections to prevent potential risks to recipients. Donors who test positive for any transmissible disease are referred to appropriate counseling and medical support services, the department added. Trazona believes that more people would become regular donors if blood donation drives were more accessible and visible in communities. "If every barangay held quarterly blood drives and there was consistent advocacy through social media, we'd see a big change. It starts with a small community and grows into something with a greater impact," she said.
The country observes National Blood Donor's Month this July, in accordance with Proclamation 1021, s. 1997. The proclamation, signed by then President Fidel Ramos, designates July of every year as a time to recognize and promote voluntary blood donation in the Philippines. It aims to raise public awareness on the importance of safe blood supply and honor the life-saving contributions of regular blood donors. As part of the observance, the DOH and its partners are holding bloodletting drives and information campaigns nationwide. Through this annual campaign, the government seeks to strengthen the culture of voluntary, non-remunerated blood donation and ensure timely access to safe blood for all Filipinos in need.
