1 of 6

Write now Article Tools

Giving blood to help save lives should be a selfless act, but in today all too self-centered society there are way too few selfless acts. All too often, when faced with an opportunity to provide a service or assistance to another human being, the first thought that crosses a persons mind is, "How will this benefit me?" After careful consideration, if they can find no personal gain, they don't give of themselves to positively affect another's life.

It is not that way for all people, don't get me wrong. I know quite a few that I call angels here on earth. There are way too many, though, that need self-gain to offer of themselves. To get those people into the blood banks to make regular deposits, I believe that money is the answer. To get some people to donate money, you must first offer them a reward of some kind. Tax breaks, token gifts, or recognition are some of the offers I have seen recently.

Thinking about where our economy is, here at the end of 2008, I think money would be the top motivator. Whether it is in the form of cash, gift certificates, or a tax break for the upcoming year, Money is the biggest motivator in the world. Unfortunately, it motivates all types and if not handled properly, will quickly become way to expensive as the need for more screening and testing arises.

Gift certificates could, in the long run, provide the least expensive alternate to actual cash. Getting national brands and local area businesses to donate gift certificates could very well give blood banks the power to bring in more new donors, as well as keeping regulars longer.

Tax breaks have to come from the government and while it is not impossible, it is getting more difficult to get governments to approve such things. They, too, have developed the "What's in it for me?" attitude. These tax beaks may be better implemented at the state levels than the federal level.

Another possibility would be a partnership with local schools. Utilizing a ticket type "'raffle", offer school supplies, such as computers, art supplies, or playground equipment to the school that has the most people donate in their name. This could be done by children's groups as well.

At the college level there could be book store gift certificates, dorm room furniture or supplies, or even gas cards to the student or group with the most qualifying donors. Competition motivates the majority of humanity. People want to win, even if the prize is relatively insubstantial.

Money is an issue in most things. If there are no available funds from which to draw for a monetary reward, with all the people using the internet these days, an awards page could be a viable solution. Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, and other social networking sites are good places to post donor contests such as most donations, most referrals, and more.

Church registry is also an option. Get churches to register, so when alerts go out, not only do the church member who are registered get a notification, but the church does, as well. That way they can remind their members and let those not registered know of the need and availability for their service.

Unfortunately, the number one incentive to motivate anyone to donate blood is having one of their own loved ones as the needy recipient. Not until someone close is in a life threatening situation and desperately needing blood does anyone truly understand the meaning of the gift of life. From cancer patients to accident survivors there are people all over the world everyday that need this wonderful gift of blood. Until more people "get it", blood banks will have to rely on governments, businesses, and local merchants to provide gift incentives to repay what should be just random acts of kindness. Pay-it-forward.

Learn more about this author, Wendy Lafond.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about What are the best incentives to motivate a selfless act like giving blood??
We want to hear your view. Write now!