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Types of mobile blood drive
Mobile blood drives are organized either in an air-conditioned 40-foot self-contained bus known as the Mobile Blood Bank (MBB) or a Bed Set-Up in which a well ventilated room is reserved for the session. The room should be large enough to accommodate at least 6 bleeding beds, 8 tables and 15 chairs.
Laying the groundwork
1. Obtain the necessary approval.
It is important to have support of your senior management in order to make your mobile successful.
2. Select a date and time for your blood drive.
Choose a date and time that is agreeable to both the organization and Singapore Red Cross Society.
3. Reserve room/ parking lots for the blood drive.
Be sure that the room you choose:
- is clean, well lit and has good ventilation.
- should have a lift, if room is not located on the ground floor.
- has at least 3 electrical outlets.
- is large enough to accommodate the beds and equipment.
- is accessible to donors.
- has or near toilet facilities.
For the 40-footer Mobile Blood Bank, at least 7 parking lots have to be reserved. In addition, toilets facilities need to be within 50 feet of the mobile unit.
4. A committee spells success
A successful blood drive is to have a working committee of 3 - 6 people. It requires a Chairperson who delegates responsibility to committee members, providing clear directions while distributing the workload among the members. Choose people for the committee who are enthusiastic about your blood drive and willing to volunteer their time for a good cause.
Blood Donor Recruitment Techniques
Here are some ideas for recruiting blood donors, as well as some ideas for responding to possible donor objections or fears.
Tips for signing up donors:
Talk to each potential donor in person face-to-face:
Personal contact is the only way to be sure that potential donors realize how important their donations are and how many people they may be helping.
Be enthusiastic - it's contagious:
Your commitment will become their commitment.
Be confident:
You are asking people to do something that will help other people - and make them feel good about themselves.
Be prepared:
Know the day, date and time of your blood drive; have enough brochures and pledge cards on hand for your calls. Know where the drive will be held.
Incorporate the entire community:
Place posters or flyers in well trafficked locations.
Use an opening phrase:
"We are sponsoring a blood drive in two weeks. If you give just one hour of your time to donate blood, you will be helping as many as 4 people who are fighting for their health and their lives. When would it be most convenient for you?"
Tips for responding to possible donor objections:
"I don't like doctors, needles, etc."
Acknowledge their fear:
"I understand your concern, many people are nervous about donating blood."
Give reassurance, draw upon your own donation experiences:
"Here's what to expect: you will register, giving your name, address and other basic information. Next, your health history will be taken. The blood donation itself lasts for five to ten minutes. A pain killer will be given, the needle will feel like a mild pinch, and that's all. Afterwards, you'll rest for a short while, about 10 minutes, and have some refreshment."
Ask for the pledge:
"It's worth it to save lives. Which (Day/Time) would be most convenient for you?"
"I'm too busy"
Inform them:
"I know how busy you are, many of us are. But we give blood anyway because it is urgently needed. It only takes about an hour. After all, nothing is more important than helping someone who is sick or injured to recover."
Tell them about your organization's support:
"Many people from our (Organization) are donating, from (The Leader) on down."
Invite them to join:
"Why don't you join us? Which (Day/Time) would be most convenient to you?"
"I would donate, but unfortunately I will not be around that day."
Thank them for their good intentions:
"Thanks for saying you would."
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