How QR Codes Can Help with Blood Drives
Key Takeaways
- Blood drives can use QR code to expedite much of the tedious processes involved
- QR codes are free to make and widely understood by the general public
- Codes can provide a hands free way to access all sorts of content
According to the American Red Cross, every 2 seconds in the United States, someone is in need of blood. Additionally, one pint of donated blood can save the lives of multiple people. For these reasons and more, donating blood is one of the best ways you can help others live longer and healthier lives.
Blood drives are especially common in the United States, and important since there’s always a high demand. Especially now with blood shortages occurring more frequently, it’s important to donate blood.
But organising and getting the word out about blood drives can be difficult, often more difficult than the process of collecting the blood itself. Fortunately, QR codes can help in many different ways!
In this piece I will go over some of the ways blood drive organizers can use QR codes to their advantage, as well as provide a step by step guide on how you make your own codes and provide helpful tips on getting the most out of your codes.
So let’s get started!
What is a QR code?
A QR code is a type of encoded image containing data that can be scanned by a smart device, like a phone or a tablet. Scanning these codes can provide access to a variety of digital and online content, including websites, WiFi logins, images, text documents, social media pages, contact information, and much more.
These codes can be applied to just about any form of visual media, whether it be physical or digital, and provide an easy access point to this type of content. They can be found on posters, stickers, flyers, cards, social media posts, advertisements, and much more.
You’ve likely already encountered a QR code in some form today already.
How can QR codes help with blood drives?
As stated above, QR codes can be used as easy access points to online content from physical media. This can provide donors and potential donors with all of the information they may need at a moment’s notice.
Below are some of the ways QR codes can be used for blood drives:
Social media and advertising
Simply having a blood drive set up is simply not enough. You have to get the word out and make sure that potential donors know about your drive, especially in the digital age.
Registration
Now that you have an audience willing to come in and donate, you need to make it so that they can easily register and sign up for a donation time.
QR codes can help here too, by taking donors directly to the web page they need to be to register, without needing to search or find a link on your website.
Check in
On the day of donation, donors will also need a way to check in to their appointment and make sure that the staff assisting them gets all the information they need, which is also something QR codes can provide.
Guests can check into their appointment at the location by scanning a QR code, or they can check in ahead of time on their own devices, and then provide staff with the QR code that they need containing all their information.
The latter is what the American Red Cross uses, through a program known as Rapid Pass. This reduces wait time and allows staff to cut out much of the tedium involved in the check in process.
Important information
While blood donation is relatively quick and safe, there are some aspects donors should be concerned with. Namely, any potential side effects of donation, measures to take after blood has been taken, and what to do in case of an adverse reaction, are important for donors to be made aware of.
A poster, flyer, or card given to donors with a QR code linking to all relevant information can provide this in a way that’s easy to access and will be less likely to get thrown out or ignored.
Rewards
While donating blood is a greatly selfless act, it is possible to get some goodies out of it. Organizations like the American Red Cross often run promotions that allow donors to get really nice rewards in return for their donations.
Rewards like this can also be given out via QR codes. In fact, the theme park ticket I received most recently was distributed via QR code.
Benefits of using QR code for blood drives
Ease of use
QR codes are both easy to use and easy to make through something like QR Code Developer. Just about every smart phone on the market has a QR code scanner built right in. All you need to do is point the camera at the code and tap the link when it pops up.
QR codes can also be scanned from almost any angle and even when visible damage has been done to the code.
Widely understood
By now, most people with smart phones are at least familiar with QR codes and know how to use them. In many regions, QR code payment is more popular than cash or cards.
Customizable
QR codes can be heavily customized, with unique colors and appearances to fit your needs or branding.
Hands free communication
The usage of QR codes surged during the COVID 19 pandemic since it allowed for people to communicate with each other, access content, and share resources, all without needing to touch each other or even be in the same space.
Trackable
If you use something like QR Code Developer to make your codes, then it’s possible to monitor how your codes are used. This can include information like how many scans your code got, where they were scanned, and even on what device they were scanned.
General tips
Know your audience: If you’re certain that most of your intended audience doesn’t know how to use QR codes or just don’t like them, then don’t use them.
Keep instructions clear: Provide clear instructions on how to use and scan QR codes as well as where the codes will redirect to.
Place codes on a flat surface: To make sure that codes are still scannable, only put them on flat surfaces, like walls, tables, posters, or fliers.
Use high contrast: If using custom colors on a code, make sure that the colors are distinct enough from each other to be read as a QR code.
Make sure codes are visible: Don’t place codes where patrons are unlikely to see them.
Only use codes when necessary: If an alternative exists that’s easier for all parties involved, use that.
Test on multiple devices: Make sure your codes work whether scanned on an Android device, iPhone, tablet, or other device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to hire someone to make my QR codes?
No. QR codes can be made by yourself for free through a service like QR Code Developer.
Do I need to download anything to scan QR codes?
While QR scanner apps are available for mobile devices, they are not necessary. Most modern smart devices are perfectly capable of scanning codes right from the built-in camera app.
What devices can scan QR codes?
Most modern smart devices with both a built-in camera and an internet connection can scan QR codes and access the content within. This includes smart phones, tablets, and even some handheld gaming consoles.
Are QR codes safe?
While there are some risks in using QR codes, they are relatively safe.
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