Most people are fine with the general concept of giving blood. They might even agree that everyone probably "should" give blood. However, there are still factors that hold people back from actually making the appointment and completing the act of service. For some people it is fear of needles, and for other people it may be an issue of scheduling or priorities. In either case, individuals and organizations are faced with the challenge of motivating people to give blood, even if they do not feel compelled. Here are a few thoughts on how to effectively motivate a selfless act like giving blood.
Statistics
People respond to different types of information. For some people, facts and statistics are the way to go in terms of inspiring motivation. There is always a need for blood and it is a supply that can easily be depleted, either from increased societal use or decreased giving. Statistics, facts, and charts is the way for some people to be motivated, particularly if people can present information that pertain to blood use in people's immediate geographical area.
Stories
Other people respond more to anecdotes because it tends to personalize the problem. There is always the possibility that organizations are attempting to "tug on the heart strings" of the potential donor by appealing to their emotions. However, this is in many cases justified because blood simply needs to be donated and in many cases organizations are in short supply. If it takes a sad story to get people out, then so be it.
Take it to the people
Finally, there are times when motivation is not quite enough. This is why some organizations will take "blood mobiles" to local businesses and park them in the parking lot. In addition, it is the reason why some blood donor centers will offer cash, gift certificates, and other prizes to get people in. One might argue that giving blood in order to obtain rewards is a bit selfish, but sometimes reality dictates that blood collectors must do what they can to get their precious product.
Overall, different things motivate people, which is why organizations have to employ various methods and strategies. Sometimes a story will suffice and other times it takes a colorful chart or graph. In either case, blood collection is an ongoing struggle in a busy society and it will continue to be a difficult challenge since blood will always be a valuable resource.