Italy observes World Blood Donor Day with nationwide events and plasma drive

On 14 June 2026, Italy marked World Blood Donor Day with a series of regional activities coordinated by the AV IS network, regional health authorities and local volunteer groups. In Siracusa, the municipal AV IS held an evening awards ceremony and opened a new donor‑rest area. Tuscany’s ASL reported a rise in first‑time donors from 282 to 925 and a modest increase in plasma‑pheresis procedures. Abruzzo’s health officials highlighted progress toward blood‑product autosufficiency while noting a 12 % drop in plasma collection and a 30 % decline in new donors. Umbria presented regional statistics – 37 589 whole‑blood donations and over 3 700 plasma collections in 2025 – and illuminated key monuments in red. Lombardy dedicated a “Plasma Day” on 13 June, promoting plasma donation as essential for life‑saving medicines and showcasing an 8.97 % rise in plasma units collected in 2025. National AV IS president Oscar Bianchi reiterated the importance of safeguarding the voluntary donation system, and AV IS staged information stands in major train stations, concerts and airport lounges across the country. Local initiatives in Gualdo Tadino, Augusta, and other towns featured red lighting of historic sites and street‑level outreach to encourage summer donations.