Summer does not stop the need for blood in hospitals. In fact, precisely during the hottest months donations tend to decrease while demand increases.

For this reason, the Azienda ospedaliero universitaria di Sassari renews its appeal to citizens eligible to donate, asking for help to maintain adequate reserves and ensure the continuity of healthcare services.

Sardinia is short more than 32,000 units a year

The problem does not concern Sassari alone.

According to data released by the AOU, Sardinia needs approximately 107,000 units of blood every year, while regional collection stops at around 75,000.

The shortfall therefore exceeds 32,000 units, which must be sourced from the mainland.

During the summer, the situation becomes even more delicate. In addition to hospitals’ ordinary needs, there are also those linked to emergencies, trauma, surgical procedures and the larger number of people on the island during the tourist season.

Blood essential for numerous patients

Blood components are indispensable not only in emergencies.

They are needed every day for surgical procedures, oncology patients, people with thalassemia and patients affected by blood disorders, as well as for numerous other treatment pathways.

The director of the AOU’s Immunotransfusion Service, Pietro Manca, recalled that the decline in donations coincides precisely with the period when demand tends to increase.

Hence the invitation to anyone who can do so to donate regularly, without waiting for the shortage to become an emergency.

Where to donate blood in Sassari

Several options are available in the city.

It is possible to donate at the AOU Transfusion Centre, in the Palazzo Rosa on Via Monte Grappa, Monday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m..

For information and appointments, the numbers 079 2646462 and 079 2646496 are available.

It is also possible to donate at the AVIS Comunale di Sassari headquarters on Via Pavese or take part in collection drives held throughout the area using the mobile blood donation units of AVIS Provinciale.

Numerous collection days are also planned during August in municipalities throughout the province and at the Centro Prelievi San Camillo di Sassari.

The appeal also extends to hospital staff

The AOU has directed its invitation not only to citizens, but also to those who work every day within the healthcare organization.

Doctors, nurses, technicians, operators and administrative staff who meet the requirements can directly help increase availability.

Medical director Lucia Anna Mameli described the availability of blood as a resource belonging to the entire community, recalling that behind every donation lies the tangible possibility of providing treatment or dealing with an emergency.

The need for blood does not go on holiday

The summer difficulty returns every year: while some donors leave for their holidays, needs in hospitals continue.

And in a region that, even during the rest of the year, cannot collect enough blood to meet its own needs, even a temporary reduction in donations can have significant consequences.

The AOU’s appeal is therefore simple: anyone who can donate, especially during the summer, can make a real difference.