In Sweden, blood donors receive a text message when their blood has been used by someone else who needed it (Freepik)
In Swedenblood donors receive a text message every time their donation is used to save a life. “You just saved a life” is the message that appears on their phones, a brief but impactful expression of gratitude that reflects the importance of each contribution. This practice seeks not only to thank those who donate blood, but also to strengthen their bond with the cause and motivate them to continue participating in future donation campaigns. With a simple notification, the Swedish health system transmits to each donor the concrete impact of their gesture, highlighting the significance of an act as simple as it is necessary.
This method has been instrumental in getting more people to consider donating.
The reason behind this innovative practice in Sweden is clear: promote the blood donations at a time when donation rates have decreased. Around the world, including Sweden, healthcare systems face a constant need for blood to care for patients in critical situations, from surgeries to treatment of serious illnesses.
The decrease in the number of donors has motivated the Blood Donation and Transplant System Swedish to implement strategies such as sending text messages to volunteers, thanking them in real time each time their blood is used. This direct communication is intended to keep donors informed and engaged in the cause by reminding them that their donations are not anonymous gestures, but rather life-saving interventions.
Since its implementation, the text messaging system in Sweden has achieved a remarkable impact on the social networks. Donors, excited to receive notifications that their blood has saved a life, share their experiences on platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. These messages, which reveal the transformative power of blood donation, have generated a wave of positive reactions, increasing public awareness about the importance of donating.
The initiative has not only increased the number of potential donors, but has also reinforced the message that donating blood is an act with immediate impact. According to Karolina Blom Wibergspokesperson for the Blood Service Stockholmthis visibility on networks has been essential to get more people to consider donating, seeing the direct testimony of those who have lived the experience and feel the satisfaction of knowing that their donation was significant.
The message that reaches Swedish donors
The system of thank you messages in Sweden also strengthens the sense of participation and commitment of the donors. By receiving a notification each time their blood is used, donors experience a deeper emotional connection to the donation process. This direct feedback approach allows them to visualize the real impact of their contribution, making them feel that their effort has tangible value and that they are a fundamental part of the chain that saves lives.
According to Wiberg, this strategy has proven to be effective in motivating donors to return and contribute again. As each donation is a personal and significant act, the program manages to transform a clinical procedure into an experience of human value. Thus, gratitude not only encourages those who have already donated, but also attracts new donors, who see the possibility of making a real and lasting difference in the lives of others.
Since its beginning in Stockholmthe text messaging system targeting blood donors has demonstrated considerable success. Running for three years in the Swedish capital, this initiative has managed not only to motivate donors to continue participating, but also to attract new volunteers, inspired by the experience of receiving a direct thank you. The extension of this program nationwide is the next step in Swedenwhere it is expected to replicate the results obtained in Stockholm and respond to the growing need for blood donations throughout the country.
The experience of Stockholm shows that this system is effective in increasing the donation rate, a crucial achievement in a context in which blood donations face a global decline. This innovative model, which gives visibility to the impact of each donation, reinforces the importance of donating blood and seeks to ensure that the Swedish healthcare system maintains an adequate supply of this vital resource.
