by Allianah Junnice Bolotaulo | November 26, 2022
Silliman University Red Cross Youth (SURCY) hosted four community service events last October in celebration of Red Cross Youth Month in hopes of aiding the community post-pandemic.
The organization held a bloodletting activity, health-hygiene outreach, first-aid stationing, and mental health webinar.
In partnership with the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Negros Oriental Chapter, together with the Student Organization and Activities Division headed by Abe Cadeliña, a bloodletting activity was conducted last Oct. 19 at the SU Oriental Hall.
Forty-two individuals from the university attended the event to donate blood. The amount of collected blood units is high compared to the mobile blood drives conducted by the PRC Negros Oriental Chapter.
According to SURCY President Reign Gacasan, around 15-20 patients in need of blood may be assisted with this.
“The Philippine Red Cross, together with the help of SURCY, are trying their best to increase the blood collection so that we can serve all patients who are in need of blood,” said Gacasan.
He added, “Most of the requests are from patients who will undergo emergency operations, pregnant women who will give birth via cesarean section procedure, and other medical operations.”
ACT4KIDS: Activity for the Kids was a health-hygiene outreach activity conducted last Oct. 15 in connection to Global Handwashing Day.
Volunteers were sent to the Brgy. Looc Health Center where they taught 4-7-year-olds the importance of proper handwashing.
On the importance of the event, Nika Duran, SURCY vice president, said, “It’s the most basic rule in defending yourself from diseases, especially now that we are in a post-pandemic era.”
Last Oct. 30, youth volunteers were mobilized to set up a first-aid station and welfare desk at the Dumaguete Port for their Undas Operations which initially started as part of the PRC and RCY Negros Oriental Chapters’ Typhoon Paeng response.
The volunteers offered free services such as blood pressure tests and blood sugar monitoring.
Hot meals and hygiene kits containing face masks, soap, paracetamol, and vitamin D were also provided by the organization to aid the stranded passengers.
SURCY also held a mental health webinar titled “Mind Your Mind: How You Feel Inside” in relation to World Mental Health Day.
Two speakers, PRC volunteer Richel Buncalan-Amada and former SURCY deputy director Keenan Brown were invited to discuss mental health issues, coping mechanisms, and the importance of psychological first aid.
According to Gacasan, “It has always been our goal that in every activity or event that we conduct, we will make sure to stick to the university’s vision of total human development in strengthening one’s character, competence, and faith.”
