Overcoming the Fear of Donating Blood

As the world prepares to celebrate World Blood Donor Day this Friday, the United States is facing its worst blood shortage in 20 years, according to the American Red Cross. One major obstacle to donating blood is the fear of needles, which affects one in four adults, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, new technology is helping people overcome this fear and donate blood.

Mixed-Reality Technology to the Rescue

Blood donor Maggie Schmidt has utilized a mixed-reality blood donation experience from Abbott and Blood Centers of America. This innovative technology is helping people like Maggie to overcome their fear of needles and donate blood.

Donating blood has never been easier

“Mixed-reality technology is a lightweight headset blood donors can wear, and it’s similar to virtual reality, but the difference is that you can still see your surroundings while also being immersed in this virtual reality experience,” Maggie explained. “By the time I was done donating blood, I hadn’t even finished building my Zen garden, which is the experience that Abbott and Blood Centers of America are utilizing to help promote this.”

Mixed-reality technology is changing the game

The mixed-reality experience is designed to distract donors from the needle insertion process, making the experience less intimidating and more comfortable. With this technology, donors can focus on a calming virtual environment, reducing their anxiety and fear.

The blood donation process has never been easier

As the world faces a critical blood shortage, innovative technologies like mixed-reality blood donation experiences are crucial in encouraging people to donate blood. By overcoming the fear of needles, we can increase blood donations and save lives.

Every donation counts