Frequently Asked Questions From Colleagues or Members, Tips and Pointers

Transcription

1 Frequently Asked Questions From Colleagues or Members, Tips and Pointers When you approach your colleagues or members about making an appointment to donate blood, some may not be eager to sign up to start donating. Here are some possible scenarios to help you deal with different responses. Scenario A. I don t like doctors I don t like needles I m too afraid People who raise this objection are afraid of doctors, needles, or an unknown experience. 1. Acknowledge their fear: I understand your concern; many people are nervous about donating blood. 2. Give reassurance: Walk them through what it might be like Here s what to expect: you will register, your health history will be taken, and the donation itself will only last about 5 to 10 minutes. The needle will feel like a mild pinch, and that s all. Afterwards, you ll rest for a short while and have some refreshments, juice, and maybe a cookie or two. 3. Ask for a commitment: It s worth it to save lives. The clinic staff and volunteers are friendly and make it really easy. Call DONATE ( ) to make an appointment and you ll see.

2 Scenario B. I m too busy People who raise this objection do not realize how truly important the need for blood is. 1. Inform them: I know how busy you are many of us are. But we give blood anyway because it is always needed. It only takes about an hour. After all, nothing is more important than helping someone who is sick or injured to recover. It s likely that in your lifetime either you or someone you know will need blood. 2. Tell them about your organization s support: Many people from our (organization) are donating, from (the leader of the organization/ceo) on down. 3. Invite them to join: Why don t you join us? Call DONATE ( ) to make an appointment or visit to book online they have many options for dates and times that are convenient. 4. Other things you could say: Let me tell you, they have the best cookies. I like the mini-health exam; they check your blood pressure, temperature and iron levels. I feel so good after I go and the reward is immediate. You get a great feeling of pride after donating blood. It s a pretty good return on a small time investment.

3 Scenario C. I have a medical condition or I m taking medication which prevents me from donating blood. 1. Accept the answer. I understand your reason. 2. Verify eligibility: Many people assume certain medical conditions and medications will defer them from donating. Share information about how to confirm eligibility. Did you know that eligibility criteria sometimes changes? Maybe you should call DONATE ( ) to find out for sure. Who knows maybe you actually are eligible to donate blood. They have nurses available that you can talk to, who have the most up-todate criteria. 3. Respect their privacy should they decline that option: No, thanks anyway. OK, well let us know if your condition changes. We would love to have you join our group of blood donors, so you could help us reach our goals.

4 Scenario D. Forget it. You can get AIDS when you give blood. This is a belief some people have. Their response is a result of myth and misinformation. 1. Inform and reassure them: You can t get AIDS or any other disease when you give blood. The materials, including the needle used for your donation, are new, sterile, disposable, and only used once by you for your donation. The skilled clinic staff wears protective gloves. You are not exposed to anyone else s blood. 2. Ask them to consider: You could always call DONATE ( ) and talk to a nurse who can confirm the process and allay any fears you have about this. Patients who need blood are counting on healthy people to give blood. Blood cannot be manufactured. There are no substitutes. If you consider that your blood donation can help several people, you may change your mind. 3. Ask them to participate. Call DONATE ( ). I m certain they can reassure you regarding the safety of donating blood. Then, while you are on the phone with them, you can make an appointment to donate and see for yourself. One blood donation can save a life.

5 The Most Common Questions Asked: What will happen first? When you arrive at the clinic, you will be asked to provide some basic information and valid photo identification. How long does the donation take? The actual donation procedure is done by skilled, specially trained clinic staff and takes five to 10 minutes. You will rest after donation, and enjoy refreshments. Plan to spend about an hour at the donor clinic. How will I feel after the donation? Most people feel great! Donors who know what to expect and have eaten regular meals and are well hydrated before donating are usually fine. After donating, drink extra fluids for the next 24 hours. Also, you are advised to avoid strenuous exercise for six to eight hours. Who can give blood what are the donation criteria, what determines eligibility? Very specific criteria must be met before a person can become a blood donor. There are some medical conditions that can temporarily or even indefinitely defer a blood donation. Some of these are listed in the Who can give blood? brochure and more information is available at or by consulting a nurse by calling DONATE ( ). All donors will be evaluated during their health interviews at the donor clinic. You may be able to save donors time and help the donor clinic run more smoothly by encouraging them to read and follow the guidelines in the brochures we provide.