RED CROSS YOUTH-HAU: ANSWERING THE CALL OF DUTY

Always FIRST, Always READY, Always THERE — this has been the commitment of the Philippine Red Cross to the Filipinos for more than 70 years. Considering our present battle with the COVID-19 outbreak, health and safety are our top priorities. To aid us in our preparation to combat other kinds of diseases and protection from unforeseen events such as natural disasters and accidents, the university launched the newest student organization dedicated to providing everyone with proper health care education and assistance — the Red Cross Youth. 

The Beginning of Everything

The Red Cross Youth (RCY) is one of the six major services of the Philippine Red Cross. Its members are expected to fulfill their roles in the organization’s humanitarian efforts that would help them realize their potential in humanitarian leadership. 

RCY-HAU President Joshua Jay De Guzman revealed that the organization’s formation was proposed by the Office of Student Affairs (OSA). 

“I think Sir Melvin from OSA is a member of the Red Cross – Philippines tapos sinabi niya sa OSA bakit ‘di tayo magtayo dito because other universities like big universities such as UST and UP if I’m not mistaken, meron silang Red Cross Youth,” De Guzman explained.

Considering the current situation, the office believed it was the right time for the University to have its students serve the community based on the platform already utilized in the RCY chapters of other universities.

Coincidentally, when the office sent an invitation to all college departments, most of the students who volunteered to join the organization were from the School of Nursing and Allied Medical Sciences (SNAMS). De Guzman admitted that this brought a misunderstanding that the organization is exclusive to SNAMS students only.

“RCY is not only limited to nursing… Buong university is invited to join,” he emphasized.

What makes RCY stand out?

With regards to the services they offer, the RCY-HAU is akin to the Philippine Society of Medical Technology Students (PHISMETS-HAU). Their services include spreading healthcare awareness and the facilitation of blood donation drives. RCY-HAU Vice President-External Ma. Theresa Sabay stated that what makes it distinct is that the student organization’s purpose is to “provide services that protect and preserve the health of our community.” On the other hand, PHISMETS-HAU is an organization created exclusively to allow the SNAMS students to experience first-hand the real-life situations related to their course. 

“Feel ko ‘yung pinagkaiba namin is more on general kami. Kasi we also try to help other people sa community natin through health education nakita niyo gumagawa kami lagi ng pubmats infographics para on that way, nakakapag-educate din kami sa mga tao through social media,” she discussed.

Sabay expressed that the mission of the organization is to educate and empower the youth. Besides organizing blood donation drives, the organization offers “the best platform to teach the youth basic first-aid training like cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)”.

RCY-HAU also holds webinars to spread awareness to every Angelite willing to learn. During the interview, the Vice President-External also announced that they also have plans to conduct a series of webinars for this semester.

“Yung pinakamalapit to date is ‘yung webinar about ‘Basic First Aid’ mga ganun kasi importante and ‘yun ‘yung parang core missions ng Red Cross Youth is to raise awareness din,” Sabay stated.

She also mentioned one of their primary programs entitled “Code Blue” where they utilize their  Facebook page as a medium to help patients who are in dire need of blood and organ donors.

Dealing With Bumps In The Road

Due to the university’s adaptation of a purely online learning set-up in light of the global pandemic, De Guzman shared that they opted to forego other plans and concentrate their efforts on “establishing their social media presence” in the meantime. 

He disclosed that it was a unanimous decision among their officers to use what is currently available, which is their current medium—the Facebook page, since the organization has limited resources because they do not receive funds from the University.

What The Future Holds

De Guzman revealed that they are working to expand their affiliations through collaboration with other existing RCY chapters and partnerships with hospitals in the future. However, Sabay clarified that this decision was made after a consultation with their current adviser who used to work at Jose B. Lingad Memorial Regional Hospital (JBLMRH). 

“Nabanggit niya sa amin na may balak din siya na makipag-partnership ‘dun for future blood donation drives. Atsaka mas okay din na ‘yung RCY may sarili tayong blood bank wherein ‘pag may blood donation drives ‘dun nalang natin isostore ‘yung mga nadonate na blood,” Sabay narrated.

She added that having their blood bank would help them address an emergency quickly, especially if the beneficiary is from the university.

The Red Cross Youth – HAU is rapidly expanding and is more than delighted to welcome new members to be part of their commitment to lead our fellow Angelites in delivering a great cause. 

For those who would like to donate their blood to help those in need, please message their Facebook page for more details.

LAYOUT BY: Casey R. Aguilos

PHOTO SOURCE(S): RCY HAU FB Page