According to Duane Hideo, Disaster Management Officer and Acting Director of Palau Red Cross Society, there’s always a shortage of blood at the hospital so they always welcome blood donations and are grateful for establishments such as PRR for coming to the aid of patients who desperately need blood on a short notice.
“We only have 450 registered blood donors in our database, and they are not enough,” Hideo said in an interview. “They can only give once every three months.”
Hideo added that each person can only be extracted 1 unit (equivalent to 1 pint) of blood each session. “That’s why we have to conduct blood drives during desperate situations,” he said.
According to Hideo, PRR now holds the record of donating the most number of units of blood, breaking a previous record of 13 units held by Ngchesar State earlier this year.
On September 8, about 30 employees of PRR participated in the blood drive which was held in the conference of the resort hotel in Malakal. Out of 30 eager donors, only 21 were able to donate due to the limited holding capacity of the hospital’s blood bank.
“No one complained, demanded compensation or even suggested favor in return for their noble deed,” Hideo said. “In fact they all appeared excited at the act of giving their precious blood to support our hospital. We often take things for granted, not giving enough or any credit at all to those who have shared their lives with others by donating blood.”
The donors received a free dinner coupon to Wave Restaurant. “They are considered non-remunerated blood donors; these are just an incentive for them for heeding the call of action and for coming to help,” Hideo added.
PRR Assistant Administrative Manager Michelle Liao was on hand to supervise the event. She was also responsible for coordinating the blood drive with Ruth Naruo, a nurse from the Hospital; Marge Kloulubak, Lab technician and Meindy Rechelluul, Palau Red Cross Society Program Coordinator.
“We do blood drives as often as there are people who need blood and there are people in the community who are willing to conduct the blood drives,” Hideo said. “We are very grateful for the efforts of the employees of PRR for helping us on such a short notice; they deserve credit.”
Palau Red Cross Society is organizing another blood drive on September 29, this time with the help of Palau Pacific Resort in coordination. The blood drive will be held at the hotel compound in Ngerkebesang.
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