Cristina Zonta is 28 years old and is a regular blood donor from Udine, in the North of Italy. Like many other donors, she has found giving blood during the pandemic quite a different kind of experience from the past.

‘It’s not like giving blood in normal times, it’s something more. You have to be more careful and keep social distancing,’ explains Cristina.

‘Our mobile blood unit is well-organized and the whole staff is very well-trained and respectful to all the donors’ needs. I’m proud of being part of FIDAS and my commitment as a board member is very strong. I don’t know to whom my blood is donated, but I always know why I’m a donor.’

‘I suffer from chronic kidney disease,’ says Antonio Procacci, 43 years old, from the southern region of Apulia. ’But in the last two years, my health has got much better. During the COVID-19 emergency, I have been feeling that it was time for me to play my part, so I decided to give blood for the first time, signing up for AVIS’.

Antonio, being a journalist, took the opportunity to set a good example and amplify the message.

‘I was honoured to offer my professional contribution to spreading the call for blood donations. In such difficult situations, it is really important to support hospitals keep adequate supplies’.