CEBU CITY — The city council is calling on the public to donate blood in response to the rising number of dengue cases here. As part of efforts to address the health crisis, the council is intensifying blood donation drives to support patients affected by the mosquito-borne disease. During the regular session on September 18, a Cebu City lawmaker filed two resolutions related to these efforts. Councilor Rey Gealon introduced the first resolution, urging the Cebu City Health Department (CHD) to initiate an information, education and communication campaign highlighting the importance of blood donation. This initiative aims to encourage public participation and help meet the growing demand for blood transfusions as the city faces a surge in dengue cases. The campaign aligns with the CHD's mandate to promote health and prevent the spread of communicable diseases, especially among underserved populations. The second resolution urges the Association of Barangay Councils to rally community support for blood donation, highlighting the critical role that local government units play in promoting health initiatives. By mobilizing the barangay (villages), the council hopes to generate widespread public participation in the blood donation drive and ensure the health system can adequately respond to the crisis. This push for blood donation comes as the city faces a worsening dengue situation. Earlier this month, the Cebu City Health Department (CCHD) appealed to acting Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia to declare a public health emergency after dengue cases in the city reached 597. CCHD head Dr. Daisy Villa, in an interview on September 6, said that such a declaration could increase vigilance among residents and encourage preventive measures. Villa also expressed concern over the eight dengue-related deaths recorded this year. No death related to dengue was recorded last year. She emphasized that combating dengue requires the active participation of the entire community, not just city officials. The council's blood donation campaign aims to address the urgent need for blood transfusions, a critical component of treatment for severe dengue cases involving heavy bleeding and low platelet counts. Read The Rest at :