**Blood Donations Needed for Children at HGT**
Children undergoing cancer treatments, especially those suffering from leukemia, urgently need blood donations at the General Hospital of Tijuana (HGT). Pediatric Oncology Chief, Mario Alberto Ornelas, highlighted the pressing requirement for platelets particularly during the initial stages of leukemia treatment. The blood donations are crucial to support the ongoing treatments of these young patients.
Ornelas pointed out the severe shortage of donors, emphasizing the need for more people to visit the blood bank and make a donation. “In Tijuana, we do not have thirty or forty donors, so those coming from places like Ensenada and San Quintín have even fewer,” he stated. “If you have the health and the ability to give life, you can make a significant impact,” he added.
The blood bank at HGT serves a wide range of patients including those undergoing surgeries, pregnant women, and trauma patients. Donations help meet the varied and high demand for blood within the hospital. Ornelas stressed the importance of these donations in sustaining the patients’ health during their treatments until their bodies can produce platelets on their own. “We rely heavily on society to provide this lifeline,” he concluded.
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**Efforts to Address Blood Donation Shortage**
In addition to the initiative at HGT, other medical facilities are also experiencing similar challenges with blood and platelet shortages. Reports indicate that various hospitals across the region are calling for an increase in blood donations to support cancer treatments and other medical needs.
An official from the Blood Bank Coordination service mentioned, “There has been a decline in blood donors following the pandemic, and it’s critical to replenish our supplies.” Efforts are being made to conduct blood drives and raise awareness about the life-saving benefits of blood donation.
Educational campaigns and partnerships with local organizations are crucial in encouraging more widespread participation in blood donation efforts. These collective actions aim to ensure that hospitals can meet the urgent needs of their patients and save lives.
By making a conscious effort to donate blood, individuals possess the power to make a profound difference in the lives of those battling severe health conditions.
Stay updated with the latest on blood donation efforts and healthcare news at TJGringo.com.