“Even during the holiday season, there are people who need blood transfusions, surgery or life-saving therapies. The need for blood never goes on vacation.”
This was the message delivered on Monday by Claudia Firenze, president of Avis Toscana, and Eugenio Giani, president of the Tuscany Region, who donated blood together at the Avis collection centre at Florence’s Piero Palagi Hospital. Their joint donation was intended to highlight the importance of maintaining blood supplies ahead of August, traditionally the most challenging month of the year for donations.
The symbolic gesture underscored a simple but urgent point: while many residents leave for summer holidays, hospitals continue to require a steady supply of blood and plasma for emergency care, surgeries, transplants and the production of plasma-derived medicines.
According to Avis Toscana, Tuscany has so far managed to avoid critical shortages thanks to close coordination among the Regional Blood Center, hospital transfusion services, healthcare providers and volunteer organizations across the region.
Throughout the summer, Avis branches across Tuscany will host awareness events and outreach initiatives to encourage residents to donate before leaving for vacation.
The organization also stresses that blood donation remains completely safe during the hottest weeks of the year. Collection centres are air-conditioned and continue operating throughout the summer.
Who can donate blood?
Blood donors must be at least 18 years old, weigh a minimum of 50 kilograms (110 pounds) and be in good health.
First-time donors undergo an eligibility assessment, while routine health checks are carried out before every subsequent donation to safeguard both donors and recipients. Individuals may choose to donate whole blood or undergo plasmapheresis, a procedure that collects plasma or other specific blood components.
Donors are advised to eat a light breakfast beforehand, stay well hydrated and avoid strenuous physical activity immediately after donating. Regular donation also provides an opportunity to monitor your health through periodic medical screening.
Although walk-in donations are accepted, Avis recommends booking an appointment. Scheduling helps reduce waiting times and enables blood collection centers to better manage supplies by identifying which blood types are needed and when. More information about donating blood in Tuscany is available through the Avis Toscana website.
