Taking Blood Donation to a Whole New Reality
As part of World Blood Donor Day 2023 (June 14), Abbott and the Blood Centers of America (BCA) are introducing a first-of-its-kind mixed reality experience for use during blood donation. The mixed reality technology is an immersive digital experience designed to improve the blood donation process, attract new donors and motivate a younger generation to give blood. Donors wear the mixed reality headset to visit a digital world while remaining fully aware of their surroundings.
Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center will be the one of the first locations in the nation to offer the experience, with more BCA centers across the country to follow.
The effort intends to address the global challenge of sustaining a reliable blood supply. In the last 10 years, blood centers have lost about 30% of donors under the age of 30. The need for blood is constant but currently only 3% of the population donates each year.
See the mixed reality headset first-hand and talk with blood donors about the experience during a media open house.
WHEN: Wednesday, June 14 (World Blood Donor Day) @ 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM CT
WHERE: Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center
1400 La Concha Lane, Houston, TX 77054
WHO: Blood donors
Theresa Pina, Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center
Abbott representative (available via phone or video for interviews)
CONTACT: Cameron Palmer: 713-791-6329 | cpalmer@giveblood.org
ABBOTT:
Abbott Laboratories is an American multinational medical devices and health care company. The company was founded by Chicago physician Wallace Calvin Abbott in 1888 to formulate known drugs; today, it sells medical devices, diagnostics, branded generic medicines and nutritional products.
Blood Center of America (BCA):
Blood Centers of America (BCA) is the largest blood supply network in the U.S., uniquely positioning to sustain, advocate and mobilize for the nation’s blood supply. Their 60+ independent community blood centers collect and distribute 50% of the nation’s blood supply, delivering reliable service with a profound commitment to the communities they serve.