AM24-MN-16-O: Innovation and Challenges in Donor Recruitment (Enduring)

Join us for an informative session on innovative blood donor recruitment and retention strategies. We'll explore how new technologies, including mixed reality, are being used to provide a unique and engaging donor experience, aiming to attract younger individuals and replace the aging regular donor population. The session will begin by describing different extended reality modalities and highlighting the safety profile of mixed reality. We'll dive into a mixed reality study, detailing the methodology, results, and conclusions. Next, we'll share insights into the planning and utilization of mixed reality during World Blood Donor Day and the Blood Suckers blood drives at the Chicago Field Museum. We'll discuss the press coverage received, the challenges faced, and the keys to a successful event, including the blood donations generated. Additionally, we'll introduce the topic of donor demographics and location, highlighting the broad impact of high-profile events and the challenge of retaining donors who do not live in the general area. We'll make a call to action for a more robust donor tracking and exchange program to ensure donor value is reinforced across organizations. Join us to learn about the innovative use of mixed reality in blood donor events, the challenges faced in recruiting and retaining donors, and effective strategies for the future.