Puerto Rico House of Representatives Advancesโข Measures to Bolster Blood Supply
The Puerto Rico House of Representatives is taking action toโค address ongoing concernsโ about blood supply stability, having approved two legislative measures aimed at improving the functionality of the Puerto Rico โBlood bank. Representative Mรฉndez spearheaded theโ initiatives following discussions โขwith blood bank โฃstaff, emphasizing a commitment to saving lives.
One measure, RC429, will focus onโค evaluating compliance with Law 98-2013, frequently enough referred to as the “Bank of Banks” law. This law mandates that government agencies, municipalities, public corporations,โ and related entities participate in blood donation campaigns to support the Blood Supply and Processing Reserve (BSPR).
“This House of Representatives has a commitment to the Puerto Rico Blood Bank in itsโฃ mission of saving lives,” stated Mรฉndez. “We submit these two measures aimed at โคevaluating alternatives,real and โexecutable,to improve the functionality ofโข the blood bank,promoting more โขblood donation events in the government and the private sector.”
The legislation seeks to explore avenues for increasing blood donations through legislation, educational campaigns, strategic alliances, and data-driven decision-making. โ Mรฉndez highlighted the simplicity and effectiveness of regular blood donation as a way to significantly impact the community.
According to data presented by the House ofโข Representatives, Puerto Rico โขrequires approximately 146,000 units of blood annually. A single transfusion canโข necessitate up to three units, underscoring the constant need for donations, as blood cannot โbe artificially manufactured.Blood also has a limited shelf life, further emphasizing the importance of consistent supply.
The Puerto Rico Blood Bank, located at the Medical center, is a critical โฃcomponent of healthcare on the island. It serves as the primary source โof red cells, plasma, and platelets for hospitalized and outpatient patients at affiliated hospitals. โThese include the Pediatric Hospital, Industrial โHospital, Trauma Hospital, San Juan Municipal Hospital, Adult University Hospital, and the Medical Center โขEmergency Room.