There's a blood shortage in Sardinia, and the regional Avis organization is appealing to residents of the island: "Go donate."

"Hospitals are struggling," explains regional president Vincenzo Dore. "In recent weeks , we've been experiencing a widespread shortage of blood bags, which is threatening to jeopardize treatment for chronically ill patients and those in emergency situations. We urge our valued donors to continue their tradition, and we encourage those who have never donated to perform this gesture of extraordinary solidarity. Every single donation is crucial."

The critical situation is further exacerbated by supply difficulties from other regions. "From what we understand," Dore continues, "the planes are not leaving."

According to data from the National Blood Center, in 2024, the regional requirement was nearly 105,000 blood bags, compared to just under 79,000 collected from Sardinian donors, with the remainder supplied from outside Sardinia. "These numbers," adds the president of Avis, "demonstrate, on the one hand, the strain on the institutional part of the regional blood system, but also how dependent the public system is on the work of our association. All of us volunteers work every day to raise awareness, to promote activities that engage even those who are not yet donors, with particular attention to young people, to convey the value and importance of this gesture."

Seasonal factors further complicate the situation: summer reduces the availability of many regular donors, while at the same time, transfusion needs increase due to increased tourism and the resulting increase in road accidents . Added to this is the constant need of approximately one thousand thalassemia patients in Sardinia, who require regular transfusions to survive.

With the return from vacation and concerns about the reduced availability of blood from other regions, Avis's appeal is clear: return to donating blood immediately to ensure continuity of care and support the resumption of hospital activities.

The regional Avis reminds that to donate, simply contact your local Avis branch and book your donation. "Donating blood is an act of responsibility and community," concludes President Dore. "Each of us can make a difference: with a small gesture, lives can be saved."

(Unioneonline/E.Fr.)

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