Applications Of Technology: Red Cross

      The red cross has done an impressive job of implementing various technologies into their operation. From the simple needles and tubes used to gather the blood, to signing up online the day of the donation, to the machines that filter and then return your own blood to you. They have found many a way to leverage technology in the collecting of blood.

      Which makes sense, as the underlying concept of gathering blood at distributed locations, before shipping it to where it is needed, is an accomplishment worth noting all on it’s own. Yet at the same time, where they stumble can be amusing.

      I’ve been donating blood (or selling for snacks, depending on how you look at it) for a while now. And I usually get a card in the mail ~7 weeks after I donate that informs me of nearby upcoming gathering points. Which means the system handling mailings is aware of when I last donated, as it consistently notifies me just before I am eligible again.

      At the same time, the system used to make phone calls is not updated quiet so quickly. I usually receive half a dozen calls within the 7-9 week mark from a donation, all requesting I go and donate. The first few of which are before I am eligible again, but they continue on even after I have donated and am no longer eligible.

      Case in point, I gave blood at the Presbyterian Church on Monday March 11. On Wednesday March 13 I was called to remind me to give blood. The calling system had not been updated as to me no longer being eligible (until next time).

      This is actually a common occurrence. To such an extent that, while the Red Cross is in the contact list on my phone, their name includes ‘ignore’ and they have been assigned the ‘no ring tone‘. If I’m receiving a call from them, odds are very good it’s nothing I care to hear.

      Ironically enough, knowing that their calling system works the way it does, I was hesitant to start giving blood in the first place. Just so that I would avoid the frequent calls. In the end I decided that wasn’t a good enough reason not to help, especially because it was easy enough to prevent the calls from ringing. The voicemail, well I’m sure one of these days it will actually be important enough to listen to.

      This isn’t only criticism: on Thursday March 14 I received a call thanking me for my donation. So the system is updated, just not in real time. And to be fair, the collecting and using of blood is more time sensitive then updating the phone system.

      While this isn’t explicitly a call for you to also give blood, I certainly won’t be stopping you.