Lazio faces blood shortage as red blood cell production drops

The Lazio region is facing a structural blood shortage, with the National Blood Center reporting that red blood cell production in July fell by 8.5 percent compared to the same month in 2025, even as transfusions increased. This shortage, which also affects Campania and Sicily, has been exacerbated by heatwaves impacting donor availability.

In response, an extraordinary blood drive was held in Piazza Mastai, Rome, supported by the National Blood Center and Avis. Lazio President Francesco Rocca noted that while donations increased by 1 percent in the first half of the year, the demand rose by 2 percent, failing to meet total needs. Authorities are emphasizing the importance of blood supplies for surgical interventions, oncological therapies, and emergency management.