Output #8 Minor Social Work
Background Case: According to Ma’am De Vega, currently working in DelPA as a teacher, the bloodletting program of IUC (Imus Unida Christian) Church happens twice a year or in every 6 months. This program we attended is the second bloodletting for this year, and the next month for the said program will be on February 2018. The lowest age allowed donating are 16, and of course and above; the donation event coordinator also encourages walk-in to participate and save lives, by donating a 450ml blood bag.
Participants from Del Pilar Academy initially gained knowledge of the project through a poster hung outside the church. Additional promotion from the organization was also to give away complimentary t-shirts to the first 17 participants.
Red Cross – Cavite was the official partner of the organization, but other licensed and/or professionals in the medical field around Imus also helped in the program. Social workers present in this program applied their principles in the medical sector of society, though this program branches out to other scopes (for those who may need the blood vary in age, and social class).
(Advincula, E.M.G. and Toledo, E.F.)
2: The donating participants during the bloodletting (Photos by E. Toledo)
Goals: First, goals on caring, coordinators and marshals welcomed us warmly and bravely as if were about to win a war. In addition, breakfast (usually helps regulate the body like banana, bread and boiled egg) before and after the actual blood donation were provided, especially for donors.
When it comes to curing, the program may cure the selfishness of others because sharing is caring, and donating is curing. Also, extending life is a small step way to selflessness and literally cures patients who badly need it.
Lastly, changing, promotes change for the better factor for both donor and receiver. Because when the receiver eventually uses your donated blood, you’re now considered to be blood related humans regardless of race, color, etc.
Ethical: Social workers, coordinator, or other personnel can handle client who panic in this type of activity, professionally. Meaning, the process of donating may delay, but they (workers/personnel) can motivate to donate at least.
Unethical: Doctors and other staff did not follow the given time according to program start time; basically they’re about 1 hour late.
Further experiences were shared by the participants of the bloodletting, as to how they felt in serving a stranger by giving their blood.
“My experience in or mini immersion is at first while going there I’m relaxed and said to myself it’s not painful I can handle it.
And when I saw where we will get our blood I feel scared, weak, stressed, and also shocked at the same time because I saw the ambulance and the this that they will need for the blood that they will get from us and even though at first the needle in my body or hand o some of my body it feels itchy and hurt at the same time and when its inside it doesn’t hurt and it was kind of good I can feel how warm mg blood is and I was excited to donate blood again.
When they check my blood type I was kind of shocked and sacred because I was like sleeping beauty and got pinch by the needle and when I came on the second station there very friendly and nice in the us student of Del Pilar Academy I can see that many people are kind to in different but all in all it was satisfying and also feel great because i will help those who need blood I must say this activity I want to encourage many youth like me to donate blood to save blood because even though it’s just a blood but that little will save a life,” were Jewel Hernandez’s sentiments.
Another donator, Glenn Huerto, shared how afraid terrifying and fulfilling was the bloodletting for him. “I would like to say that my experience with this social work was easy, but it really wasn't; I personally am afraid of syringes, or the idea of having needles stuck on my bloodstream, and the fact that it can hurt so much while also taking much out of my body drove me into fear. This was the first time I ever did something like this, and the build up to actually giving blood was maddening in a way, the moment itself something I wanted but also was afraid of.
Still, actually giving blood was fulfilling in its own way; aside from the complimentary free T-Shirt, the idea that I can possibly extend, or even save, someone's life gave me a wholesome feeling. In addition, the way that I can get past one of my greatest fears and brush it off as easy in the end was a fulfilling feeling. I honestly feel like donating once more in the future, as crossing my own personal barrier while helping someone else is a good enough prospect for me.”
Even though she was unable to donate her own blood, Ariana Tanaleon shared how proud she felt for her co-members, she writes: “Honestly, my experience regarding this mini immersion was so hard because I am a hemophobic person. I felt dizziness, also, paleness of my skin appeared but on the other hand, I am proud of myself even though I am not part of blood donor. And lucky for me, I survived when I saw the actual donating of blood- before, during and after.
Donating blood can save many lives and I believe I'm having a progress already to overcome my fear when it comes to blood. Some of my groupmates did that thing and for me, they are the modern heroes.”
Concluding the group’s experience, Em Advincula shared that even though the three participants (her included) donated only 450ml blood bags each, what they have done is a form of social work already. She noted how social work is defined as “work carried the aim of alleviating the conditions of those in need of help,” and in this case, the act of donating blood may not have required much physical work, but it may be of great help to those in need of what they, the donators, have provided.