Italy appeals for blood donors as stocks run critically low

Italy's national blood centre issued an urgent appeal for donors on Friday after warning that stocks were running critically low nationwide, according to The Local Italy. The appeal comes at the end of a summer in which donations typically fall as regular donors travel or take holidays.

The Local Italy reported that hospitals in Lazio, Campania and Sicily have been worst affected by the shortages, raising concerns about the ability of medical services to respond to emergencies and scheduled procedures as the autumn schedule resumes.