The Italian Red Cross appeals to everyone, "but in particular to young people", for the donation, in light of the lack of blood as a consequence of the pandemic.
"In the summer, the situation becomes more delicate. In particular, we ask young people to make an effort: the average age of donors is increasing and there is a shortage of donors between 18 and 30 years", explains Francesco Rocca, President of the Italian Red Cross, on the occasion of the World Blood Donor Day on June 14th.
The National Blood Center records a slowdown in donations and the virtuous regions that covered the needs of other regions are also in trouble.
"A trend to reverse - he adds - because if we want to increase the amount of donations it is essential to attract young people with targeted awareness campaigns and to increase the culture of donation also through the communication channels most used by young people. our ambassadors this year, two athletes of the National Boxing Federation, for having wanted to convey this very important message with us through a video ".
A synergy, that between CRI and FPI, born from the memorandum of understanding signed in April: "We are pleased and honored - comments FPI President Flavio D'Ambrosi - to have started this collaboration and to have immediately supported, in an effective and supportive way , the Italian Red Cross in this very important action, involving the FPI Regional Committees on the territory and therefore all our members. Donating blood is a guarantee of life and health for everyone, including sportsmen. I am sure that the example of two great champions such as Emanuele Blandamura and Alessia Mesiano, whom I thank for their commitment and generosity, will be followed by many young people ".
"Before leaving for the holidays - continues Paolo Monlievo, National Referent for Blood and Organ Donation of the CRI - go to the Red Cross centers and donate blood. The positive fact is that as regards the blood collections carried out by the CRI we have registered an increase in bags collected (+ 45% in 2021 compared to 2020), but we are far from covering the whole national territory in a homogeneous way "The appeal was therefore joined, this year, by the Italian Boxing Federation with the two FPI Ambassadors and Champions Alessia Mesiano (AOB Boxer, World Gold 2016 in the 57 Kg. and World Bronze 2022 in the 60 Kg.) and Emanuele Blandamura (PRO Boxer, International and European Middleweight Champion).
Both athletes, in fact, have chosen to support the "Donate to you back" campaign,