SMART Communications Inc., together with the local chapters of the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC), will hold a series of blood donation activities across the nation this month.

The first leg will be held at the Gaisano City Mall in Bacolod City Thursday, in coordination with the Negros Press Club and the University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos (UNO-R).

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The rest of the blood donation activities will be scheduled in the cities of Iloilo, Dumaguete, Cebu, Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Pangasinan and Manila later this month.

Healthy and qualified blood donors are invited to donate blood.

Prospective blood donors should be 18-60 years old and weigh at least 110 pounds or 50 kilograms. They should have abstained from any alcoholic beverage 24 hours prior to blood donation. Their temperature, pulse rate and blood pressure must also register as normal during the screening process.

Donating blood benefits not just the recipient but also the blood donor. By donating blood, the production of new red blood cells is enhanced. Blood donation will help stimulate the generation of new blood cells. Donors also get a free health screening, since the blood pressure and pulse rate are checked.

Smart regularly conducts blood donation activities to support the efforts of the PNRC to ensure adequate blood supply in the country. The initiative is part of Kabalikat sa Kaligtasan, Smart's corporate social responsibility and community service program on disaster-preparedness and emergency-response.

In addition to conducting blood donation activities, Smart also works with the PNRC and other service-oriented organizations, like the National Disaster Coordinating Council, by providing emergency communications support during emergency and disaster situations.