Bills to boost blood and platelet supply win unanimous approval

Speaker of the Puerto Rico House of Representatives Carlos “Johnny” Méndez Nuñez

By THE STAR STAFF

The House of Representatives on Thursday unanimously approved two measures promoted by the Puerto Rico Blood Bank and introduced by House Speaker Carlos “Johnny” Méndez Nuñez that aim to increase the blood and platelet supply on the island.

The first of the bills, House Resolution (HR) 428, is intended to study all aspects of blood donation and transfusion in Puerto Rico, and the capacity of the healthcare system to ensure a stable blood supply. The second, HR 429, would study the parameters of Law 98-2013, primarily the compliance by government agencies, municipalities, public corporations and other government entities with the provision that these entities assist the Blood Bank in blood donation campaigns.

“This House of Representatives is committed to the Puerto Rico Blood Bank in its mission to save lives,” Méndez said. “Therefore, after discussing this with Blood Bank staff, we introduced these two measures aimed at evaluating real and feasible alternatives to improve the functionality of the Blood Bank, promoting more blood donation events in the government and private sectors.”

“Encouraging regular blood donation is a simple and effective way to contribute to saving lives and making a significant difference in the community,” the House speaker added. “Through this investigation, the Puerto Rico House of Representatives has the opportunity to lead a comprehensive effort to address the blood shortage through legislation, educational campaigns, strategic partnerships, and reliable data for decision-making.”

Each year in Puerto Rico, some 146,000 units of blood are needed, and a single transfusion can require up to three units of blood. Blood cannot be manufactured artificially. The only way to obtain it is through voluntary donations from healthy individuals.

Furthermore, blood has a limited shelf life and, therefore, is needed constantly.

The Puerto Rico Blood Bank at Centro Médico plays a vital role in healthcare by serving as the primary collection center for essential blood components such as red blood cells, plasma, and platelets to meet the needs of inpatients and outpatients at the hospitals affiliated with Centro Médico, the main medical center on the island.

Among the hospitals that receive blood, platelets, and other blood components from the Centro Médico Blood Bank are the Children’s Hospital, the Industrial Hospital, the Trauma Center, the San Juan Municipal Hospital, the University Hospital for Adults, and the Centro Médico Emergency Room.